The Incredible Hulk 

A troubled scientist's accidental overexposure to gamma radiation curses him with the tendency to change into a bestial green brute under extreme emotional stress.

Director:

Kenneth Johnson

Writer:

Kenneth Johnson

Stars:

Bill Bixby, Susan Sullivan, Jack Colvin

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Bill Bixby	...	Dr. David Banner
Susan Sullivan	...	Dr. Elaina Marks
Jack Colvin	...	Jack McGee
Lou Ferrigno	...	The Incredible Hulk
Susan Batson	...	Mrs. Maier
Mario Gallo	...	Mr. Bram
Eric Server	...	Policeman
Charles Siebert	...	Ben
Terence Locke	...	Young Man (as Terrence Locke)
June Whitley Taylor	...	Woman
George Brenlin	...	Man at Lake
Jake Mitchell	...	Jerry
William Larsen	...	Minister
Olivia Barash	...	Girl at Lake
Eric Deon	...	B.J.

Storyline

David Banner, a research scientist who is haunted by the death of his wife whom he couldn't save in a car accident is researching how to tap the hidden reserves of incredible strength all humans have. While investigating episodes of people who have displayed such strength under times of great stress, he discovers that each one coincided with a solar flare spike of gamma radiation. Convinced by the link, Banner decides to put it to the test when he deliberately doses himself with gamma radiation. Unknown to him however, the machine was modified to give a far higher dose than he anticipated. While there was no immediate effect, that soon changes when on the way home, he forced to change a tire in the rain. He injures himself and the result anger and frustration transforms him into a massively powerful green giant, the Hulk. He eventually changes back and, now he must investigate what did this thing and face the consequences.

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Plot Keywords:

the incredible hulk character | scientist | frustration | car accident | reference to benjamin franklin | 

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Taglines:

A scientist is exposed to a massive dose of gamma rays - and becomes a superhuman beast...

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der unglaubliche Hulk

Filming Locations:

California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min 105 min (uncut) 103 min (cut) 120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in 18 days.

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Goofs

The laboratory explosion was caused from the reaction of two agents accidentally mixed in the chemical storage room. Chemicals with such explosive potential would never be stored in hazardous proximity to one another.

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Quotes

Dr. Elaina Marks: We'll keep on searching until we find out how to make you normal again.
Dr. David Banner: I suggest that we get our research materials together, and move to safer quarters.
Dr. Elaina Marks: Where?
Dr. David Banner: I don't know... we'll think of a place.
Dr. Elaina Marks: ...keep on searching...
Dr. David Banner: We'll think of a place.

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Alternate Versions

Though originally shown as a two-hour TV-movie, it has been edited to be shown as two one-hour episodes for syndication. In order to make up for the additions of a recap of the first hour at the beginning of the second and a full second set of opening and closing titles, as well as for clearing more time for extra commercials, a significant amount of footage was excised, including all of Jack McGee's visit to Dr. Marks' home the morning after Banner's first "Hulk-out," during which he, unknown to either of them, glimpsed Banner over her shoulder.

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Connections

Edited into The Incredible Hulk: Interview with the Hulk (1981)

User Reviews

Excellent comicbook adaption

The original Hulk movie brings the gamma-ridden powerhouse from the pages of Marvel Comics to the screen with -gasp! - intelligence. Rather than focussing on the epic action and destruction of the comicbook, which it hasn't the budget for anyway, the movie concentrates on creating believable characters and as realistic a plot as possible. It suceeds admirably, thanks to a superb central performance from Bill Bixby and some assured direction from Kenneth Johnson. And no comic fan can argue that Lou Ferrigno isn't the Incredible Hulk. He bursts from the four-color pages with absolute fury and destroys whatever he comes across.

The cast all perform well, with none of the over-the-top clowning you get in so many comicbook adaptions. It's got some great 70's locations and a wonderful theme tune as well. Of the six Hulk movies around, this remains the best, and with another intelligent superhero flick, X-Men (2000) demolishing the box-office, hopefully people will take a look at the last good Marvel film. Yeah, Blade was a Marvel character but Blade, in reality, is complete and utter shash.