Rape of the Belt
| Company type | Television film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Products | TV film |
Rape of the Belt is a 1964 Australian TV film adapted from Benn Levy's theatrical work.
Plot
The story follows Heracles and Theseus as they journey to Themiscyra, the stronghold of the Amazons, to fulfill Heracles' ninth labour: obtaining Hippolyte's belt. Their mission encounters resistance from both Antiope and Hippolyte.
Cast
- Tony Ward portraying Heracles
- Reg Livermore in the role of Theseus
- Fernande Glyn as Antiope
- Arlene Dorgan playing Hippolyte
- Neva Carr Glyn taking on Hera
- Chris Christensen as Zeus
- Sheila Kennelly in the role of Hippobomene
- Ethel Lang as Thalestris
- Victoria Anoux portraying Anthea
- Susanne Haworth as Diasta
Production
Originally produced by the Elizabethan Theatre Trust in 1960, Benn Levy's play was later adapted for television. Tony Ward, recognized at the time for hosting Seven Days, prepared rigorously for his lead role by growing a beard and undergoing two months of physical training. During rehearsals, he suffered a leg injury. The production featured on-location filming at Kurnell and Whale Beach. This project was among Reg Livermore's early appearances on television.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald characterized the film as "amusingly lively and buoyant," while Filmink commended it as "an entertaining viewing experience."
External links
- Australian television films
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Black-and-white Australian television shows
- Australian English-language television shows
- Films directed by Henri Safran
- 1964 television films
- 1964 films
- Films about Heracles
- Films set in ancient Greece
- Films about Amazons
- Hippolyta