The Return of Captain Invincible [1983]

Whatever happened to Captain Invincible? In the '30s and '40s, the Caped Contender kept the world safe for truth, justice and the American way; but in the '50s, he was blacklisted as a 'premature anti-fascist', and questioned in his choice of red as the colour of his cape. It turns out that Cap (Alan Arkin) has spent the last thirty years as a vagrant wino in Australia. When the little Invincible fan who has grown up to be president (Michael Pate) needs the hero to save the world once again from the evil Mr Midnight (Christopher Lee), the Man of Magnet has to be dried out and taught how to use his superpowers all over again. The Return of Captain Invincible is a broad, occasionally crude, musical comedy, but its commitment to tarnished, old-fashioned heroism is honestly moving. Arkin is surprisingly restrained in the central role, getting laughs, but also managing to create a convincing serial-style superhero, complete with a hide-out in the crown of the Statue of Liberty and a wrist radio given him by Harry S Truman. Lee seizes the opportunity to camp it up with relish singing wonderfully silly songs ('if you won't name your poison, we'll have to send the boys in') and dancing with a chorus of Rocky Horror Rockettes. While there are enough slapstick gags to please a general audience, discerning nostalgia buffs will appreciate nice little touches like a faked 'News on the March' bio of the Captain, and a store window demonstrating a sale of Deanna Durbin records and Captain Invincible dolls. Into the blue!
KIM NEWMAN

First Published In: City Limits no.183 [5 - 11 April 1985] p23 [UK]

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