Saturday night was rather nostalgic as I saw a film from my childhood...She starring Ursula Andress, John Richardson, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. When originally seen, the imagination was captivated and I was thoroughly immersed in the ancient Middle East and these interesting characters. After last night's viewing, I still hold respect for films of this genre, especially those co-produced by Hammer Films of England. Fun films, adventure-packed, great score and somewhat grand sets. The matte painting of the ancient, lost city of Kuma looked like something a 5th grader with good drawing skills might conjure up. But the film, 44 years old, still caught my interest. Of course, as I was watching it visions of a "re-imagining" came into view.
Based on a novel, and a sort of remake of the 1935 version, it tells the story of Leo Vincey (Richardson), Holley (Cushing) and the valet Job (Bernard Cribbens). It's 1918 after the Great War; Vincey's face is strikingly similar to an ancient high priest. He is "kidnapped" and awakens in a nice dwelling where he meets Aeyesha (Andress) where she gives him a signet ring and a map to the lost city of Kuma. If he arrives successfully, more will be explained to him. He is most intrigued and bids his friends to join him on his quest. He survives the journey...almost! Of course, he is almost killed by a group of natives who view him as a threat; gets rescued by the soldiers from Kuma.
Without giving too much away, Aeyesha knows the secret to immortality and offers it to Leo. Does he take it? And what happens to the young woman, Eustane, who helps "My Leo" and gets punished for her help? Hmm...
Needless to say, this film was a great Saturday afternoon matinee flick. I saw it on a double bill with that other classic One Million Years B.C. with Raquel Welch. Both films were wonderful to see with school friends. For those of us growing up in the 60s, these films will fondly bring back those memories. No matter how sophisticated cinema gets, the fun films of the 60s will always have a place in my heart and be something to study by future film students.
