Hawk The Slayer (1980)
When listener Joe asked to commission a pair of films for his grandmother’s 100th birthday, the Shat Crew never suspected his first choice would be “Hawk The Slayer.”
And the surprises didn’t end there. This low-budget 1980 sword-and-sorcery fantasy treated us to machine-gun crossbows, a magical fisting sword and Jack Palance in a cape. We also got a Lord Rockingham soundtrack, serious Medieval Times vibes, a draggy dark wizard and a possible cinematic record for Most Improvised Grills In A LARPing Motion Picture.
Can Dick Ebert convince Ash and Gene this Rifftrax-worthy movie deserves anything more than 4 wipes? Listen to find out!
Plot Summary:
In the 1980 fantasy adventure film Hawk the Slayer, directed by Terry Marcel, John Terry stars as Hawk, a noble warrior on a quest for justice against his evil older brother, Voltan, played by Jack Palance. Driven by a deep-seated sibling rivalry, Voltan has become a ruthless warlord, terrorizing the land and murdering their father in a bid for power. Armed with his legendary sword, which is magically controlled by his mind and powered by an enchanted stone, Hawk sets out to confront Voltan and put an end to his tyranny.
Hawk is joined by a diverse group of allies, each possessing unique skills to aid him on his journey. His companions include Crow (Ray Charleson), a deadly elf archer with unmatched speed and precision; Gort (Bernard Bresslaw), a towering giant with incredible strength; Baldin (Peter O’Farrell), a quirky dwarf skilled in explosives; and Ranulf (W. Morgan Sheppard), a one-handed warrior with a deadly crossbow. Together, they form an unlikely but formidable team as they embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped abbess and stop Voltan’s plans for domination.
Along the way, Hawk and his band of warriors face numerous challenges, including mystical enemies, treacherous landscapes, and Voltan’s loyal followers. The film combines elements of action, fantasy, and campy humor, delivering thrilling sword fights, magical showdowns, and memorable one-liners that have earned it a cult following among fans of 80s fantasy cinema.
Join our podcast review as we revisit Hawk the Slayer, diving into its unique blend of adventure, humor, and fantasy. We’ll explore its most memorable moments, discuss its impact on the genre, and determine whether this sword-and-sorcery classic still captures the imagination of today’s audiences.
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