Released in 1980, "Hero at Large" is a drama/romance about a struggling actor in Manhattan (John Ritter) who gets a gig pretending to be Captain Avenger and signing autographs. While trying to start a relationship with a stand-offish woman across the hall (Anne Archer) he unwittingly stops a crime dressed up as the superhero and becomes an overnight sensation in the New York media, albeit anonymously. Can he keep his motives pure or will he sacrifice his integrity for filthy lucre? Bert Convy, Kevin McCarthy and Harry Bellaver have peripheral roles.Ritter was in the best physical shape in his life when this was shot, riding the height of his popularity with Three's Company (1976-1984). Unfortunately a great film career was not to be (the only other movie I remember his being in is 1996' "Sling Blade"). He's a thoroughly likable protagonist, but his character comes off too good to be true. His too-nice approach fails to stir up the romantic interest of the babe across the hall, who apparently prefers sharp studs in sports cars to puppy dogs with infatuated eyes.The New York City locations are great and the movie works as a period piece for 1979 (when it was shot), but important points aren't driven home as they should've been. They're there, and you'll discern them if you reflect on the movie, they're just not driven home while viewing. In the meantime you have to endure an uninteresting non-romance that may or may not blossom. Archer shines with her smiley eyes, but her character is so aloof that it's unbelievable that Steve (Ritter) would continue pursuing her. She's clearly NOT interested. Meanwhile, Convy looks great and is unintentionally amusing in his late 70's goggles.The picture runs 98 minutes and was shot in Manhattan and Queens.GRADE: C

You might want to compare this film with a film called Hero, staring Dustin Hoffman. Both films are about ordinary people who perform extraordinary actions, thereby becoming "heroes". In Hoffman's film the main character is a sleaze who's philosophy is do unto other before they get a chance to do unto you. Ritter, on the other hand is a nice guy who is seduced by the glory of being heroic. Hoffman spends most of the movie trying to avoid recognition for his heroic acts while Ritter becomes caught up in a scheme to capitalize on people's need for heroes. Both men's lives are held up as evidence that all of us have the capacity to be a hero under the right circumstances. Both films are inspiring with important things to say. Hero At Large however is a small film while Hero is a big budget film with major actors. I thoroughly enjoyed both but by comparison, Hero beats you over the head with its message. I can't help liking Hero At Large just a little better.

Those three words alone summarize the heroic spirit in all of us, and that is what this movie is really about. Those of you who have seen the film know what I am talking about. Those of you who have not, for God's sake, go buy it and see if the moment when Gerry Black speaks those three words don't move you to tears. In so many ways, those words are a precursor to the words of real life heroes when on the darkest of days the bravest among us demonstrated their American spirit with the words, "Let's roll!" Yes, this is a great John Ritter movie, but as the other famous line in the movie declares, "It does not matter who it is." Watch it! And believe!

I saw this long time ago.I was not very old.I remember that a watched this movie a few times because i loved it so much.So i was surprise to see the DVD release.The price is not very expensive. So i decide to bought it.I was happy of my buy .The movie passed the time perfectly.It's fun to see a super hero like a human power.John Ritter is super in this movie.He look like the role in three's company.A funny guy that doesn't want too grow.The end of the movie is like every end of 80's movies.Its fun too see so movies finishing like this decade. Some parts are very funny.A good movie too watch in family.Or alone with your wife.