The Giant of Marathon

Steve Reeves again, this time as an Athenian champion defending Greece from the Persians, in a peplum notable mainly for the underwater battle sequences that Mario Bava shot uncredited. The historical spectacle is standard, but Bava's contributions give it visual moments above the norm.

It is a solid early entry in the boom Hercules kicked off, with Reeves doing his usual stoic heroics and the naval finale providing the highlight. Jacques Tourneur is credited as director, with Bava doing much of the real visual work.

A representative peplum, elevated by uncredited hands.