The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (TV 1989)

When David Banner is held for questioning about a mob crime, his only chance lies with his lawyer who is also the superhero, Daredevil.

Director:

Bill Bixby

Writer:

Gerald Di Pego

Stars:

Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Marta DuBois

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Bixby	...	Dr. David Bruce Banner
Lou Ferrigno	...	The Hulk
Marta DuBois	...	Ellie Mendez (as Marta Dubois)
Nancy Everhard	...	Christa Klein
Nicholas Hormann	...	Edgar
Richard Cummings Jr.	...	Al Pettiman
Joseph Mascolo	...	Albert G. Tendelli
John Rhys-Davies	...	Wilson Fisk (as John Rhys Davies)
Rex Smith	...	Matt Murdock / Daredevil
Linda Darlow	...	Fake Nurse
John Novak	...	Farm Worker
Dwight Koss	...	John
Meredith Bain Woodward	...	Farm Supervisor (as Meredith Woodward)
Mark Acheson	...	Turk
Richard Newman	...	Apartment Owner

Storyline

David Banner drifts into New York and goes on a subway. And with him is a woman and two guys. When the two guys attack the woman, David tries to help but is beaten and turns into The Hulk and saves the woman. When he turns back, he finds himself arrested and the woman accuses David of being her attacker. David is approached by Attorney Matt Murdock who wants to represent. When he tells Murdock that he can't pay him, Murdock tells him that he is hoping that David can help him incriminate Wilson Fisk, a powerful criminal. David doesn't want any part of it but Murdock convinces him to trust him. Murdock goes to see the woman but can't get her to change her story. Later in her room someone tries to kill her but she is saved by Daredevil, a crime fighter. Murdock tells David that he has to go trial but David says he can't but Murdock says they have no choice. Later while David is in his cell he turns into the Hulk and escapes. David tries to leave town but Daredevil finds him and reveals ...

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Plot Keywords:

lawyer | superhero | crime fighter | blindness | costume | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der unheimliche Hulk vor Gericht

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bixby-Brandon Productions, New World International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the only time in the history of "The Incredible Hulk" live-action TV series and its three TV movies, that the Hulk wore his trademark purple pants from the comic books. It occurs in the dream sequence when David Banner is being questioned on the witness stand and he ends up changing into the Hulk.

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Quotes

Wilson Fisk: Isn't that a perfect plan?
Edgar: Well uh, well no.
Wilson Fisk: Good man, what's missing?

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Connections

Version of Daredevil (2003)

User Reviews

Worth a look for Daredevil fans

I've always been a fan of the Marvel characters but, by the time I was old enough to properly watch Bill Bixby's 'Incredible Hulk' series, it just seemed rather dated, especially since my head was filled with the special effects of the first two 'Superman' films. It also didn't help that the big, green hero terrified me as a child! That said, this film is enjoyable enough to catch the first live-action look at Daredevil (one of my personal favourites of the Marvel characters) and his interactions with David Banner.

The film sees David Banner, whose alter-ego is the Incredible Hulk, intervening in the mugging of a woman only to end up accused of assault when the victim mistakenly thinks he was the one who attacked her. When the case goes to trial, Banner finds himself represented by blind Matt Murdock, lawyer by day and crime-fighting Daredevil by night. Murdock hopes Banner can help him bring down a powerful crime bass and soon circumstances see the Incredible Hulk and Daredevil working towards the same goal.

Bill Bixby gives a decent performance as the down-trodden, world-weary David Banner, a man persecuted for his alter-ego yet still determined to do the right thing. Rex Smith also delivers in his role as Matt Murdock, giving those not familiar with the character a glimpse of what he could do, and John Rhys Davies excels as always as the Kingpin.

The main reason for watching 'The Trial of the Incredible Hulk' is to see the Incredible Hulk and Daredevil's connect and rub shoulders with one another. Of course, this Matt Murdock not only has a less flashier suit but he's living in the lap of luxury in some mansion instead of struggling in a Hell's Kitchen apartment on his meagre wage but it's a rare chance to see two Marvel series' mingle and the film handles it well, showing the strengths and flaws of both characters and how both have their fights in life. This is a film for Marvel fans and those who would liked Ben Affleck's 'Daredevil' film and need something to tide them over until the possible sequel is released.