Hero at Large (1980)

An idealistic but struggling actor finds his life unexpectedly complicated when he stops a robbery while wearing the costume of Captain Avenger, a superhero character of a film he is hired ... See full summary »

Director:

Martin Davidson

Writer:

AJ Carothers

Stars:

John Ritter, Anne Archer, Bert Convy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Ritter	...	Steve Nichols
Anne Archer	...	J. Marsh
Bert Convy	...	Walter Reeves
Kevin McCarthy	...	Calvin Donnelly
Harry Bellaver	...	Eddie
Anita Dangler	...	Mrs. Havacheck
Jane Hallaren	...	Gloria Preston
Leonard Harris	...	Mayor
Rick Podell	...	Milo
Allan Rich	...	Marty Fields
Kurt Andon	...	Fireman
Gerry Black	...	Hero at Fire
Tony Cacciotti	...	Anthony Casselli
William Bogert	...	TV Moderator
Joyce Brothers	...	Herself (as Dr. Joyce Brothers)

Storyline

An idealistic but struggling actor finds his life unexpectedly complicated when he stops a robbery while wearing the costume of Captain Avenger, a superhero character of a film he is hired to to promote. He decides to dabble at being a superhero only to find that it is more difficult and dangerous than he ever imagined.

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Plot Keywords:

bare chested male | hairy chest | non comic book superhero | injury | gun | 

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Taglines:

Help is on the way!

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 February 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

Captain Avenger

Filming Locations:

26 Grove Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,850,725, 10 February 1980

Gross USA:

$15,934,737

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$15,934,737

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kings Road Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robbi Morgan stated in interviews that she auditioned to play J. Marsh, and did not get the part, but the casting directors liked her enough, that she was immediately cast in Friday the 13th (1980).

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Goofs

As Steve sits in his cab listening to a portable police scanner, he is still moving the tuner (showing needle movement) while the dispatcher can be clearly heard giving the information about the fleeing criminals.

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Quotes

Steve Nichols: Mind if I drop in?

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Connections

Features Strange Cargo (1940)

User Reviews

Nearly-large laughs will result for most at a viewing, romcom fans especially

Steve (John Ritter) is a struggling Manhattan actor with a string of part time jobs to help make the rent. Even then, its a struggle, although his apartment is modest at best. One day, he gets a gig as a film promoter. The job calls for him, as well as two dozen other lads, to dress as a superhero, Captain Avenger, and stir up interest around the theater where the movie will premiere. On the way home, Steve's still in costume, half covered with a jacket, when he stops at a local carryout for milk. Its near closing time but the elderly couple let him in. Following Steve, unfortunately, is a would-be robber, who gallops in the door. Disappearing around a corner, Steve comes back as the masked crusader and scares the thief away. The couple is most grateful. The next day, as Steve ponders if he can help someone else in "distress", he gets a look at his new female neighbor, Ms. Marsh (Anne Archer). Wow, is she classy and pretty! From day one, the handsome, engaging actor is in hot pursuit, even though Ms. Marsh does not encourage his attentions. Meanwhile, news of Steve's heroism at the carryout reaches the film's producer (Bert Convy) and he asks to Steve to help "stage" more rescues to increase the box office takes. Will Steve get a real job and win the heart of his neighbor? This is a nice little film with semi-large laughs for the romcom crowd or fans of Ritter. Our John does a fine job, as does the beautiful Archer and the rest of the crew. Yes, the sets, costumes, and amenities are merely average but the script has some clever and inspiring moments while the direction is lively. Do look for Hero, romance-and-comedy fans. You will be sweetly entertained.