Captain America II: Death Too Soon 1979

Not so Original art.

While the producers where making Captain America part I, they were so sure about their film being a hit that they made Captain America II: Death Too Soon as soon as they were done with part I.

With the heavily altered origin story of the first movie out the way we skip straight to the action this time and Cap gets more screen time. The costume is much closer to the comics (he still won't take the helmet off when he parks the motorcycle although you can see he has a cowl underneath!) Reb finally stopped smiling as Cap and looking dumb, this time He actually has some command as the lead Avenger.

Opening Titles.

This time the helmet is faithful to the comic design.

The suit is also 90% close to the comic design.

The Miquel character is clearly inspired by the Red Skull (They didn't have enough bucks to add it to the film I guess) and Christopher Lee has great presence; too bad he didn't get more screen time (He's a great actor who did all sorts of movies even these B class flicks). Even the plot by Miquel to extort money from the US government by threatening to dump his aging gas on a densely populated American city sounds like a kid-friendly version of something the Red Skull would cook up.
The story and characterizations are actually surprisingly involving, nothing too heady, but good (remember, the 70's where all about having fun). A patriotic message of independence and love for one's country and respect for another's is at the heart of this tale, albeit laced in cheese, but what did you expect? I can't help but smile along with Cap and his female co-star at the end of it all. The villain and reticent townsfolk Cap encounters in this film remind one that hate and anger may motivate and protect, but if not released eventually kills the spirit.

Miguel, the evil terrorist. Worth watching the film just because of him.

Punks!

Yes! the original comic book suit!

Don't worry old lady, Cap is here to save the day.

Overall this movie is quite energizing, just plain fun. Add to its value the character played by Connie Selleca, a beatiful talented girl who made a living helping heroes (The Greatest American Hero, for instance) 

Since there's a re-release date I felt it was necessary to remind you of these lost treasures made with a few of talent and a lot of innocence that only the 70's could have brought into your TV screen (exploitation not here, so shhh)

And maybe you could feel tempted with the idea of adding the 2 DVD re-release into your vast movie library.

Way to go Cap!

Terrorists Beware!

Here's the trailer:

Shall I talk about the 70's Spiderman short lived live-action TV series?