The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)

When Banner is held as a witness to a violent crime linked to the Kingpin, the fugitive is helped by lawyer Matt Murdock who is also the superhero, Daredevil.

Director:

Bill Bixby

Writer:

Gerald Di Pego (as Gerald Dipego)

Stars:

Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Marta DuBois

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Bixby	...	David 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	...	Denny
Dwight Koss	...	John
Meredith Bain Woodward	...	Farm Supervisor (as Meredith Woodward)
Mark Acheson	...	Turk
Richard Newman	...	Apartment Owner

Storyline

David "Belson" drifts into New York City, and goes on a subway. 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 him. 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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

daredevil the marvel comics character | matt murdock character | wilson fisk a.k.a. kingpin character | 1980s | psychotronic film | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

Filming Locations:

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

John Rhys-Davies accepted the role of Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. The Kingpin, without knowing that the character is bald and clean-shaven in the comics. When he learned this, he offered to shave his head, as the producers were unable to get him a bald skullcap. However, they declined, and Rhys-Davies appeared with a different look. Additionally, Fisk is never referred to as "The Kingpin" in the film.

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Goofs

When the Hulk is running away from the Police after the Subway incident, the ends of the prosthetic forehead can be seen flapping out under the sides of the wig and also part of Lou Ferrigno's dark hair.

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Quotes

David Banner: I'm a doctor. I would like to have a look at your eyes.
Matt Murdock: You doctors know nothing of radiation.
David Banner: I happen to know a lot about it.
Matt Murdock: Can my sight be restored?
David Banner: No.
Matt Murdock: I appreciate your honesty.

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Alternate Versions

The UK video version was cut by 15 secs by the BBFC to edit shots of a butterfly knife and to remove an ear-clap during a fight scene. The cuts were restored for the 2007 12-rated Starz DVD release.

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Connections

Version of The Incredible Hulk (2008)

User Reviews

Sadly underrated superhero flick

This is essentially a daredevil movie, but I really liked it. It's low budget , but gets the spirit of the comics. I always liked the guy who played Banner (sorry can't remember his name)in the TV series, he was easy to sympathize with. Haven't been able to bring myself to watch the recent daredevil or hulk films. Stan Lee criticized the movie because of daredevils costume and a few other things, but frankly for the budget (and all the early marvel movies were low budget with an oddly 1970's feel),the director and cast have managed very well. As for Fisk/Kingpin being bald, frankly no one could actually look like the giant bald guy portrayed in the comics, also don't remember anyone commenting about gene hackman playing Lex Luther in the superman movies (he is revealed to be wearing a toupee at the end of one movie)