First the good part of the film. The beginning of the movie was beautifully and sharply filmed with an excellent view of the French countryside going towards Monaco with a highway cutting through. The opening theme song was haunting, especially with the supernaturally lovely Czech star Olinka Berova. When you see this miniskirted vision with the flowing blonde hair and long legs walking down the highway with her suitcase, you can't help but be hooked, especially with the aforementioned cinematography and theme music. Unless you saw the predecessor-film, SHE, with Ursula Andress(also called Undress) you wouldn't know what the film was about. The makers assumed that everyone who saw the film also saw SHE. Well, the vast majority of viewers did not and thought the movie's plot was unintelligible. QED Only Olinka Berova's ethereal beauty kept the film from being a total failure and is worth seeing for that alone. Judging by the pre-release publicity, the movie was expected to make Olinka into a major star. Unfortunately for all of us, it did not. Most of the films she made later were behind the Iron Curtain. She later married and divorced an American movieman. Today, she reportedly lives in New York under the name Olga Calley. Her retirement from film is a loss for us all. Update: Olga Calley has moved back to Prague.
24 Reviews
Not Too Bad Really.
Space_Mafune6 December 2002
A young drop dead gorgeous blond woman named Carol(played by Olinka Berova-real name Olga Schoberová) is drawn to the lost city of Kuma and King Killikrates believing herself to be the reincarnation of the long dead queen goddess of Kuma--Ayesha(she who must be obeyed).
This is hardly a great film epic and doesn't compare favorably with SHE(1965)--the film which this one is meant as a sequel too. But aside from all of that I did find this film to be an entertaining and enjoyable ride. It managed to hold my interest even though some of it is quite simple, cheesy and silly. Nonetheless I did enjoy it.
Now if you approach it expecting a film at the same level as SHE(1965), then you will be disappointed. This film lacks the star power and depth of story that SHE(1965) had. Here we have a number of relatively unknown actors although John Richardson does return in his role.
This is hardly a great film epic and doesn't compare favorably with SHE(1965)--the film which this one is meant as a sequel too. But aside from all of that I did find this film to be an entertaining and enjoyable ride. It managed to hold my interest even though some of it is quite simple, cheesy and silly. Nonetheless I did enjoy it.
Now if you approach it expecting a film at the same level as SHE(1965), then you will be disappointed. This film lacks the star power and depth of story that SHE(1965) had. Here we have a number of relatively unknown actors although John Richardson does return in his role.
Trashy but with an ethereal beauty...
londomollari28 October 2010
!!!THIS REVIEW CONTAINS PLOT SPOILERS!!!
This is one of the few well-known Hammer films I had never seen, until a few days ago. I had very low expectations and so, sat down to watch this with no preconceived ideas of real enjoyment; just of ticking another Hammer film off on my head as "seen".
The Vengeance of She is oddly enjoyable if totally trashy. The script goes in a vaguely similar line to the original 1965 She. It has minimal characterisation, has no inner continuity and the actions and deeds of some of the characters are totally anachronistic (e.g an Arab who seems steeped in Western magick rites and philosophy).
By the end I found myself totally disinterested if Carol (Olinka Berova) is the reincarnation of Ayesha or not. I was unmoved by the loss/love of Killikrates (John Richardson)and his dilemma of being immortal without his soul-mate. The actual events lost momentum for me even before reaching the Lost City.
So why watch this film? There is an ethereal beauty to this film. Other reviewers have mentioned the beauty of the lovely Ms Berova and she is stunning, so that is enough said about that. But the ethereal beauty is beyond just her looks alone.
The film has some wonderful images: Berova walking down a long winding road in a white fur coat, the desert sequence, the entry to Kuma, etc. The music score by Mario Nascimbene, including the song title (sung by Bob Fields), uses a haunting but very simple melody heard throughout the film in various guises. For the scenes set in the "modern world" it is played as a jazz miniature with solo saxophone. In Kuma, it becomes a chant with an ostinato figure derived from the main melody. I find this very effective.
The ethereality of these features combine to produce something unexpected. This film has stayed with me. Shallow, disjointed and incongruous as the whole thing is, there seems to be something of a 60s acid trip side-effect from this film that I cannot explain. The notions of exoticism; love unrequited or lost; beauty and decay; and glamorous adventure that are not really explicit (due to ineptitude in narrative and performances) in this film are what will now stay with me.
Perhaps in five years time or more, I will have a notion to return to this film... and be totally disappointed, wondering where the effect of this film, that stayed with me in the following days, actually came from. Yet, it is there and for this I give it a tentative recommendation and a very over-generous rating.
This is one of the few well-known Hammer films I had never seen, until a few days ago. I had very low expectations and so, sat down to watch this with no preconceived ideas of real enjoyment; just of ticking another Hammer film off on my head as "seen".
The Vengeance of She is oddly enjoyable if totally trashy. The script goes in a vaguely similar line to the original 1965 She. It has minimal characterisation, has no inner continuity and the actions and deeds of some of the characters are totally anachronistic (e.g an Arab who seems steeped in Western magick rites and philosophy).
By the end I found myself totally disinterested if Carol (Olinka Berova) is the reincarnation of Ayesha or not. I was unmoved by the loss/love of Killikrates (John Richardson)and his dilemma of being immortal without his soul-mate. The actual events lost momentum for me even before reaching the Lost City.
So why watch this film? There is an ethereal beauty to this film. Other reviewers have mentioned the beauty of the lovely Ms Berova and she is stunning, so that is enough said about that. But the ethereal beauty is beyond just her looks alone.
The film has some wonderful images: Berova walking down a long winding road in a white fur coat, the desert sequence, the entry to Kuma, etc. The music score by Mario Nascimbene, including the song title (sung by Bob Fields), uses a haunting but very simple melody heard throughout the film in various guises. For the scenes set in the "modern world" it is played as a jazz miniature with solo saxophone. In Kuma, it becomes a chant with an ostinato figure derived from the main melody. I find this very effective.
The ethereality of these features combine to produce something unexpected. This film has stayed with me. Shallow, disjointed and incongruous as the whole thing is, there seems to be something of a 60s acid trip side-effect from this film that I cannot explain. The notions of exoticism; love unrequited or lost; beauty and decay; and glamorous adventure that are not really explicit (due to ineptitude in narrative and performances) in this film are what will now stay with me.
Perhaps in five years time or more, I will have a notion to return to this film... and be totally disappointed, wondering where the effect of this film, that stayed with me in the following days, actually came from. Yet, it is there and for this I give it a tentative recommendation and a very over-generous rating.
She who must be drooled over.
BA_Harrison24 May 2008
Three years after their reasonably entertaining version of H. Rider Haggard's classic adventure 'She', Hammer Studios produced a sequel, 'The Vengeance of She'. Lacking the star power of the original (Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing and Bernard Cribbens are noticeable by their absence), the film is a dreary retread of events from the earlier movie, albeit with the roles reversed: this time around, it is the immortal Killikrates (John Richardson) who is pining for his long-dead love Ayeesha.
Convincing Killikrates that his soul-mate has finally been reborn in the form of a stunning European blonde named Carol (Olinka Berova), power-hungry occultist Men-Hari (Derek Godfrey) strikes a deal with the lovelorn leader: if he can successfully lure Carol to the lost African city of Kuma (using his powerful black magic), then he must be granted permission to pass through the sacred blue flame that would bring him immortality (and give him a pop at taking over the world!).
Compelled to travel to Africa by the voices in her head, the confused Carol is joined on her journey by Philip (Edward Judd), a concerned psychiatrist who is determined to ensure the beautiful young woman's safety.
On arriving at Kuma, and discovering the real reasons behind Carol's mysterious calling, Philip sets out to stop the poor girl from being brainwashed into believing she is Ayeesha, and prevent Men-hari from achieving his nefarious goal.
'The Vengeance of She' starts promisingly enough, with the sex-kittenish, mini-skirted Berova (think along the lines of Bardot, and you won't be far wrong) making quite an impression as she walks through the French countryside (accompanied by a haunting theme song), but it soon descends into a messy mish-mash of boring mystical mumbo-jumbo, lacklustre adventure, and unconvincing melodrama.
Director Cliff Owen wisely makes the most of Berova's awesome physical attributes to try and distract his audience, having her slip into clingy white robes that give viewers a tantalising glimpse of her marvellous milky puddings (please note: my workmate Phil wanted me to use that phrase in one of my comments), but even with endless gratuitous lingering shots of her semi-clad form, the film still winds up as something of a snooze-fest.
Convincing Killikrates that his soul-mate has finally been reborn in the form of a stunning European blonde named Carol (Olinka Berova), power-hungry occultist Men-Hari (Derek Godfrey) strikes a deal with the lovelorn leader: if he can successfully lure Carol to the lost African city of Kuma (using his powerful black magic), then he must be granted permission to pass through the sacred blue flame that would bring him immortality (and give him a pop at taking over the world!).
Compelled to travel to Africa by the voices in her head, the confused Carol is joined on her journey by Philip (Edward Judd), a concerned psychiatrist who is determined to ensure the beautiful young woman's safety.
On arriving at Kuma, and discovering the real reasons behind Carol's mysterious calling, Philip sets out to stop the poor girl from being brainwashed into believing she is Ayeesha, and prevent Men-hari from achieving his nefarious goal.
'The Vengeance of She' starts promisingly enough, with the sex-kittenish, mini-skirted Berova (think along the lines of Bardot, and you won't be far wrong) making quite an impression as she walks through the French countryside (accompanied by a haunting theme song), but it soon descends into a messy mish-mash of boring mystical mumbo-jumbo, lacklustre adventure, and unconvincing melodrama.
Director Cliff Owen wisely makes the most of Berova's awesome physical attributes to try and distract his audience, having her slip into clingy white robes that give viewers a tantalising glimpse of her marvellous milky puddings (please note: my workmate Phil wanted me to use that phrase in one of my comments), but even with endless gratuitous lingering shots of her semi-clad form, the film still winds up as something of a snooze-fest.
"Fairly adequate sequel to She - but unconvincingly written."
jamesraeburn20037 December 2004
*POSSIBLE SPOILER*
A beautiful young Scandanavian girl called Carol (Olinka Berova) is lured to the city of Kuma by the immortal Killikrates (John Richardson) and Men-Hari (Derek Godfrey) who convinces Killikrates that she is the reincarnation of his lost love, Queen Ayesha, who died years ago. Killikrates intends to give Carol the secret of immortality so that he can live with her forever and restore her power over the city. Meanwhile, he has also promised Men-Hari the secret for bringing him back his old lover.
The basic premise provides a fairly adequate sequel to Hammer's successful adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's 'She' (1965), which was something of a curates egg in itself (see separate review). The main problem here is that the Peter O' Donnell script is unconvincing in that one ludicrous situation hardly runs smoothly into another. There is also some unbelievably inept dialogue like when the heroes are chasing after a desert peasant who is on horseback in a Land Rover but they still have difficulty keeping up with him. I bet the British Motor Corporation would have been horrified because that wouldn't have been good publicity for their versatile off road vehicles! With the exception of Edward Judd's performance as the English doctor who is in love with Carol, a good cast is working well below it's capabilities, even though it includes Andre Morell who was superb as Dr Watson in Hammer's 'The Hound Of The Baskervilles' (1959). The film is made watchable by the direction of Cliff Owen who displays his skill at narrative pacing (his work partly redeemed the otherwise unfunny Morecombe & Wise vehicle 'That Riviera Touch'). In summary this film failed to repeat the success of it's predecessor.
A beautiful young Scandanavian girl called Carol (Olinka Berova) is lured to the city of Kuma by the immortal Killikrates (John Richardson) and Men-Hari (Derek Godfrey) who convinces Killikrates that she is the reincarnation of his lost love, Queen Ayesha, who died years ago. Killikrates intends to give Carol the secret of immortality so that he can live with her forever and restore her power over the city. Meanwhile, he has also promised Men-Hari the secret for bringing him back his old lover.
The basic premise provides a fairly adequate sequel to Hammer's successful adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's 'She' (1965), which was something of a curates egg in itself (see separate review). The main problem here is that the Peter O' Donnell script is unconvincing in that one ludicrous situation hardly runs smoothly into another. There is also some unbelievably inept dialogue like when the heroes are chasing after a desert peasant who is on horseback in a Land Rover but they still have difficulty keeping up with him. I bet the British Motor Corporation would have been horrified because that wouldn't have been good publicity for their versatile off road vehicles! With the exception of Edward Judd's performance as the English doctor who is in love with Carol, a good cast is working well below it's capabilities, even though it includes Andre Morell who was superb as Dr Watson in Hammer's 'The Hound Of The Baskervilles' (1959). The film is made watchable by the direction of Cliff Owen who displays his skill at narrative pacing (his work partly redeemed the otherwise unfunny Morecombe & Wise vehicle 'That Riviera Touch'). In summary this film failed to repeat the success of it's predecessor.
"I hear the beat of dark wings..."
utgard1414 December 2014
Sequel to Hammer's version of She is actually more interesting than that film, at least to me. I loved the 1935 version of H. Rider Haggard's She. But the Hammer version did little for me. I found it very dull with only Ursula Andress' beauty to recommend it. This sequel is hardly a masterpiece but has enough going for it that it surpasses the previous film. The opening with the corny song playing while hitchhiking Carol (Olga Schoberova) is cornered by a rapist then saved by something mysterious is a moody start to things. The film keeps up that mood as the girl swims out to a yacht and hops aboard. She's being compelled towards Kuma, the lost city from the last film. Turns out Ayesha (again, from She) is attempting to possess the girl. As they make it closer to Kuma, the movie becomes a lot less interesting.
Olga Schoberova is beautiful but brings little to the part other than that. The scenes of her having nightmares screaming out "Ayeeeesha!" will give most viewers giggle fits. Still, she's not as wooden as Andress. Derek Godfrey is the bad guy but there's nothing bad about those awesome eyebrows. Edward Judd and John Richardson are solid. The great Andre Morrell has a small part as a man who helps Carol. Like She, this is pretty dry stuff. Worth watching for a nice score, atmospheric touches, and for Olga's beauty.
Olga Schoberova is beautiful but brings little to the part other than that. The scenes of her having nightmares screaming out "Ayeeeesha!" will give most viewers giggle fits. Still, she's not as wooden as Andress. Derek Godfrey is the bad guy but there's nothing bad about those awesome eyebrows. Edward Judd and John Richardson are solid. The great Andre Morrell has a small part as a man who helps Carol. Like She, this is pretty dry stuff. Worth watching for a nice score, atmospheric touches, and for Olga's beauty.
Foolish addition to the "She" stories of H. Rider Haggard.
barnabyrudge16 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The Vengeance of She is a badly done adventure movie with elements of the supernatural. It is a sequel of sorts to She (1965), but the action has been updated to the 1960s. The plot is pretty wacky, though it could have made for an enjoyably ludicrous film if handled with a bit more verve (see The Lost Continent for a film which had an outrageous storyline, but worked OK because the makers had the courage to stand by their own absurdities). Unfortunately, in this case the film doesn't really work at all. The story progresses unconvincingly and humourlessly in a very dull, workmanlike manner, with largely unenthusiastic performances, and dated, jazzy music which doesn't suit the events on screen.
A young blonde woman, Carol (Olinka Berova)wanders around the southern part of France, her mind muddled and tormented by recurring dreams. It seems that a strange force is driving her in a particular direction, and only by following this direction can she stop the constant torment. Her dreams are riddled with haunting images of a faraway kingdom, and she repeatedly awakens from these semi-nightmares inexplicably screaming the word "Ayesha". Carol boards a yacht owned by womanising millionaire George (Colin Blakely). One of George's friends, psychiatrist Philip (Edward Judd), is also aboard the yacht enjoying a holiday. Philip is interested by Carol's bizarre condition and tries to help her to make sense of her dreams. Gradually, it becomes clear that her thoughts are being corrupted and manipulated by the denizens of a lost city in North Africa, who are trying to psychically guide her to their land so that she can replace their long-dead Queen of Ayesha (whom she closely resembles).
Berova's acting ability is almost nil, so immediately the film is faced with an uphill struggle since her character is so crucial to all that's going on. Judd also is a very bland, laid-back leading man (he resembles Peter O'Toole, but with dark hair and about a tenth of Peter's acting ability). Saddled with these two uninspiring main actors, the film further digs its own grave by having all the characters from the lost city speak line after line of the most dire mumbo-jumbo imaginable. They talk about magic, destiny, power, mind control and other such stuff, but the dialogue is written in a weird, lofty fashion that comes across like an 11 year old child attempting to imitate Shakespeare. I really wanted to be kind to this film - to give it the benefit of the doubt, if you like - but in the end I just couldn't manage it. As a well-told, well-made film it doesn't even register. But it also can't be enjoyed on the level of a likably oddball curiosity. It's just a totally ineffective, inconsequential and inept dud.
A young blonde woman, Carol (Olinka Berova)wanders around the southern part of France, her mind muddled and tormented by recurring dreams. It seems that a strange force is driving her in a particular direction, and only by following this direction can she stop the constant torment. Her dreams are riddled with haunting images of a faraway kingdom, and she repeatedly awakens from these semi-nightmares inexplicably screaming the word "Ayesha". Carol boards a yacht owned by womanising millionaire George (Colin Blakely). One of George's friends, psychiatrist Philip (Edward Judd), is also aboard the yacht enjoying a holiday. Philip is interested by Carol's bizarre condition and tries to help her to make sense of her dreams. Gradually, it becomes clear that her thoughts are being corrupted and manipulated by the denizens of a lost city in North Africa, who are trying to psychically guide her to their land so that she can replace their long-dead Queen of Ayesha (whom she closely resembles).
Berova's acting ability is almost nil, so immediately the film is faced with an uphill struggle since her character is so crucial to all that's going on. Judd also is a very bland, laid-back leading man (he resembles Peter O'Toole, but with dark hair and about a tenth of Peter's acting ability). Saddled with these two uninspiring main actors, the film further digs its own grave by having all the characters from the lost city speak line after line of the most dire mumbo-jumbo imaginable. They talk about magic, destiny, power, mind control and other such stuff, but the dialogue is written in a weird, lofty fashion that comes across like an 11 year old child attempting to imitate Shakespeare. I really wanted to be kind to this film - to give it the benefit of the doubt, if you like - but in the end I just couldn't manage it. As a well-told, well-made film it doesn't even register. But it also can't be enjoyed on the level of a likably oddball curiosity. It's just a totally ineffective, inconsequential and inept dud.
cheesy, fun escapist trash
OldAle111 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I really didn't know that Hammer made much of anything besides the horror films for which they are justly famous until coming across this double-feature DVD in the store (the 2nd film is The Viking Queen which you'll hear about next week); I needed some trash to go with the more serious stuff I had, so I picked it up.
Basically, it's pretty good for what it is. Mysterious blond beauty is having odd dreams, visions, nightmares....escapes from lecherous truck driver who has given her a lift at the beginning....swims to a luxury yacht anchored off the coast (Monte Carlo, perhaps? never stated that I remember), has some fairly dull interactions with wealthy owner and suspicious wife, concerned psychiatrist friend of the owner....nightmares and visions persist, she throws herself overboard, owner dies saving her....boat puts in at a port in North Africa, she disappears and travels across country, now she is being called, "Ayesha, Ayesha" and must go to her destiny....the psychiatrist follows her....ancient forbidden city, Romans and magi....is she Ayesha, reborn? Will she live forever with the ancient Roman general who has brought her there? Preposterous, of course, but the DVD is so gorgeous, the colors so bright and the print so flawless, and the blond babe (Olga Schoberová) so beautiful, that hey, I enjoyed it as the escapism that it was intended to be. It certainly moved along nicely, and the location shots in the desert were quite nice. Honestly, it was vastly better than the recent Mummy films to which it bears some thematic resemblance. No real relation to the H Rider Haggard novels.
Basically, it's pretty good for what it is. Mysterious blond beauty is having odd dreams, visions, nightmares....escapes from lecherous truck driver who has given her a lift at the beginning....swims to a luxury yacht anchored off the coast (Monte Carlo, perhaps? never stated that I remember), has some fairly dull interactions with wealthy owner and suspicious wife, concerned psychiatrist friend of the owner....nightmares and visions persist, she throws herself overboard, owner dies saving her....boat puts in at a port in North Africa, she disappears and travels across country, now she is being called, "Ayesha, Ayesha" and must go to her destiny....the psychiatrist follows her....ancient forbidden city, Romans and magi....is she Ayesha, reborn? Will she live forever with the ancient Roman general who has brought her there? Preposterous, of course, but the DVD is so gorgeous, the colors so bright and the print so flawless, and the blond babe (Olga Schoberová) so beautiful, that hey, I enjoyed it as the escapism that it was intended to be. It certainly moved along nicely, and the location shots in the desert were quite nice. Honestly, it was vastly better than the recent Mummy films to which it bears some thematic resemblance. No real relation to the H Rider Haggard novels.
Has a few good points
Spondonman29 December 2013
Compared to She from two years previously this isn't as good, therefore most people would probably find it tedious and trashy. But to my surprise I quite enjoyed it for what it is: a cheap and cheerful attempt to cash-in on a successful product by Hammer and entertaining to a point. What H. Rider Haggard might have thought of it is another matter though.
Mysterious young blonde female pin up is wandering around alone in the South of France to a lilting theme song (redolent of Public Eye), not knowing who she is, where she's been or going - redolent of Department S. She gets taken up and along with a party that are heading for North Africa, that is, in her direction. Is she the reincarnation of Ayesha or not? Redolent of The Avengers. Berova was apparently a Playboy model with her career in front of her, but she wasn't a great actress so I wonder why Hammer chose her for the part after Ursula Andress had refused. At the not-so-lost city of Kuma I could hardly recognise John Richardson reprising his original role of immortal Kallikrates - he must have had a tough two years since She, and even his voice was dubbed ... redolent of The Flashing Blade. Maybe that's the big reason I enjoyed it, the walk down Mammary Lane. And Edward Judd was always reliable and amusing as the voice of reason to all the unreason around him. There's a very dramatic climax, but be prepared to laugh uproariously at a scene unintentionally redolent of Andy Pandy.
It's a pleasant enough time-filler - if you don't expect too much from it you might get something from it.
Mysterious young blonde female pin up is wandering around alone in the South of France to a lilting theme song (redolent of Public Eye), not knowing who she is, where she's been or going - redolent of Department S. She gets taken up and along with a party that are heading for North Africa, that is, in her direction. Is she the reincarnation of Ayesha or not? Redolent of The Avengers. Berova was apparently a Playboy model with her career in front of her, but she wasn't a great actress so I wonder why Hammer chose her for the part after Ursula Andress had refused. At the not-so-lost city of Kuma I could hardly recognise John Richardson reprising his original role of immortal Kallikrates - he must have had a tough two years since She, and even his voice was dubbed ... redolent of The Flashing Blade. Maybe that's the big reason I enjoyed it, the walk down Mammary Lane. And Edward Judd was always reliable and amusing as the voice of reason to all the unreason around him. There's a very dramatic climax, but be prepared to laugh uproariously at a scene unintentionally redolent of Andy Pandy.
It's a pleasant enough time-filler - if you don't expect too much from it you might get something from it.
Great, messmeric poster (but a lie...)...A stupid film...
oldworldgallery18 October 2018
10/18/18
Hummm...Wonder if there was a connection in there somewhere ?...A tantalizing poster of a dominatrix (??), pimping a dreadfully boring film...
No. There's no connection. Other than mercantile avarice and deception.
Total pandering ripoff from original "She", which itself was not really that good either, but much better with Ursula Andress. A very good actress, by the by.
I trashed the film. Bought the poster !
Hummm...Wonder if there was a connection in there somewhere ?...A tantalizing poster of a dominatrix (??), pimping a dreadfully boring film...
No. There's no connection. Other than mercantile avarice and deception.
Total pandering ripoff from original "She", which itself was not really that good either, but much better with Ursula Andress. A very good actress, by the by.
I trashed the film. Bought the poster !
A worthy sequel
1bilbo7 October 2008
I think this is a worthy sequel to the Cushing "She".
Olga Schoberová hasn't much to say but did not need to be dubbed as she can at least string a sentence together. (Unlike Ursula.)
The story follows up where She left off but that is not obvious until half way through the film. If you are looking for a modern day formulae (obligatory love scene with 20 seconds of bare breasts, three way love triangle with lovers screaming at each other, etc. etc,) you will not find it. Just a good story with a host of good actors no all became famous.
The opening sequence has a terrific theme tune and has Olga wandering down a lonely road. We never find out who she is or where she comes from or how she manages to be immaculately dressed despite being lost and weary but this is the 1960s.
The mythology of an eternal flame that grants everlasting life at a cost is central to these films as is the deceit and betrayals that go with people's lust for what they cannot have.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Olga Schoberová hasn't much to say but did not need to be dubbed as she can at least string a sentence together. (Unlike Ursula.)
The story follows up where She left off but that is not obvious until half way through the film. If you are looking for a modern day formulae (obligatory love scene with 20 seconds of bare breasts, three way love triangle with lovers screaming at each other, etc. etc,) you will not find it. Just a good story with a host of good actors no all became famous.
The opening sequence has a terrific theme tune and has Olga wandering down a lonely road. We never find out who she is or where she comes from or how she manages to be immaculately dressed despite being lost and weary but this is the 1960s.
The mythology of an eternal flame that grants everlasting life at a cost is central to these films as is the deceit and betrayals that go with people's lust for what they cannot have.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Better than the first one
Wuchakk13 March 2014
"The Vengeance of She" is a 1968 Hammer film (British), a a sequel to 1965's "She" with Ursula Andress. Whereas the events of the first film took place in 1918, this sequel takes place 50 years later in the modern day (1967).
THE STORY: A beautiful blond named Carol (Olinka Berova) is plagued by voices calling her "Ayesha" and is drawn by a mysterious force toward the Southeast. During her journey she meets Dr. Phillip Smith (Edward Judd) who decides to accompany her, likely because he wants to attain boyfriend status (even though he's obviously old enough to be her father). They travel through the desert with Philip (Edward Judd) and eventually reach a lost city in the mountains. John Richardson is back as Killikrates while Derek Godfrey and Danièle Noël play Men-Hari and Sharna.
Although the storyline is sometimes kinda lazy you'll no doubt enjoy this film to some degree if appreciate Hammer films. What's it have going for it? Well, it's a serious adventure for one thing; don't expect any goofiness or camp here. It's got great locations including breathtaking shots of the Mediterranean coast. It also has one beautiful leading lady in Olinka Berova. Yes, Ursula Andress is gorgeous as well, but Olinka beats her out IMHO. Olinka may lack Ursula's looks-that-kill stunning-ness but she makes up for it in gentle, sweet innocence. Seriously, Olinka possesses a quality that's rare today. The film's worth watching or owning just to behold this.
As to the "G-rated" issue, an Amazon reviewer -- "A Customer" (May 27, 2002) -- spends his entire review ranting about how mediocre the film is because it's rated G. First of all, the DVD is not rated G; it clearly states that the film is "unrated." Secondly, even if it WAS rated G at some point (like when it was originally released in theaters) it would be at least a PG or PG-13 today. Want proof? - Olinka is shown for long shots in just her underwear. One scene shows her walking into the ocean where her panties are wet and clearly see-through. Does this sound G-rated? - There's a fairly long belly dancing scene where the girls are less than half-dressed. Does this sound G-rated? - There are quite a few violent fights that end in death. Plus a woman on a sacrificial altar has a sword dropped into her bosom and a man staked to a wall is speared in the chest. Does this sound G-rated? Suffice to say that reviewer doesn't know what he's talking about.
One last thing about this reviewer's piece. The guy appears obsessed with film ratings. Personally I never pay attention to these ratings. Why? Simply because a film is either great, good, mediocre or bad period. The rating is irrelevant. Does more gore, more nudity, more cussing, more overt sexual situations determine the worthiness of a film? Maybe for 13 year-olds. Is "The Wizard of OZ" a lousy film because it's rated G? How about the original "Planet of the Apes"?
BOTTOM LINE: Although "The Vengeance of She" is not a hard R-rated film, it's neither a tame G-rated film either. It's worth watching or owning for the breathtakingly beautiful Olinka Berova, the fine locations and the serious spirit of adventure. It's only real flaw is that it has a bit of a lazy vibe, but it makes up for it with an ethereal ambiance. Regardless, "The Vengeance of She" delivers the goods if you're in the mood for a serious adventure flick à la 60's James Bond, but without the goofy super-spy elements. If you appreciate Hammer films it's a must.
The film runs 101 minutes and was shot in Monte Carlo (Mediterranean coast), Spain (the desert) and England (the studio sets).
GRADE: B (6.5/10 Stars)
THE STORY: A beautiful blond named Carol (Olinka Berova) is plagued by voices calling her "Ayesha" and is drawn by a mysterious force toward the Southeast. During her journey she meets Dr. Phillip Smith (Edward Judd) who decides to accompany her, likely because he wants to attain boyfriend status (even though he's obviously old enough to be her father). They travel through the desert with Philip (Edward Judd) and eventually reach a lost city in the mountains. John Richardson is back as Killikrates while Derek Godfrey and Danièle Noël play Men-Hari and Sharna.
Although the storyline is sometimes kinda lazy you'll no doubt enjoy this film to some degree if appreciate Hammer films. What's it have going for it? Well, it's a serious adventure for one thing; don't expect any goofiness or camp here. It's got great locations including breathtaking shots of the Mediterranean coast. It also has one beautiful leading lady in Olinka Berova. Yes, Ursula Andress is gorgeous as well, but Olinka beats her out IMHO. Olinka may lack Ursula's looks-that-kill stunning-ness but she makes up for it in gentle, sweet innocence. Seriously, Olinka possesses a quality that's rare today. The film's worth watching or owning just to behold this.
As to the "G-rated" issue, an Amazon reviewer -- "A Customer" (May 27, 2002) -- spends his entire review ranting about how mediocre the film is because it's rated G. First of all, the DVD is not rated G; it clearly states that the film is "unrated." Secondly, even if it WAS rated G at some point (like when it was originally released in theaters) it would be at least a PG or PG-13 today. Want proof? - Olinka is shown for long shots in just her underwear. One scene shows her walking into the ocean where her panties are wet and clearly see-through. Does this sound G-rated? - There's a fairly long belly dancing scene where the girls are less than half-dressed. Does this sound G-rated? - There are quite a few violent fights that end in death. Plus a woman on a sacrificial altar has a sword dropped into her bosom and a man staked to a wall is speared in the chest. Does this sound G-rated? Suffice to say that reviewer doesn't know what he's talking about.
One last thing about this reviewer's piece. The guy appears obsessed with film ratings. Personally I never pay attention to these ratings. Why? Simply because a film is either great, good, mediocre or bad period. The rating is irrelevant. Does more gore, more nudity, more cussing, more overt sexual situations determine the worthiness of a film? Maybe for 13 year-olds. Is "The Wizard of OZ" a lousy film because it's rated G? How about the original "Planet of the Apes"?
BOTTOM LINE: Although "The Vengeance of She" is not a hard R-rated film, it's neither a tame G-rated film either. It's worth watching or owning for the breathtakingly beautiful Olinka Berova, the fine locations and the serious spirit of adventure. It's only real flaw is that it has a bit of a lazy vibe, but it makes up for it with an ethereal ambiance. Regardless, "The Vengeance of She" delivers the goods if you're in the mood for a serious adventure flick à la 60's James Bond, but without the goofy super-spy elements. If you appreciate Hammer films it's a must.
The film runs 101 minutes and was shot in Monte Carlo (Mediterranean coast), Spain (the desert) and England (the studio sets).
GRADE: B (6.5/10 Stars)
THE VENGEANCE OF SHE (Cliff Owen, 1968) **
Bunuel197627 April 2007
I was let down by Hammer Films' version of SHE (1965), so I wasn't particularly looking forward to its even less regarded sequel (concocted by Peter O'Donnell, who had earlier scripted the Joseph Losey camp classic MODESTY BLAISE [1966]!). Still, given that the film begins in a modern-day setting, I have to say that I found it mildly intriguing at first (following an unintentionally funny opening scene in which leading lady Olinka Berova is nearly raped by a loutish trucker who ends up trampled by his own vehicle!); however, once the scene shifts to the mythical city of Kuma, the film grinds to a halt - and, being one of Hammer's longest efforts at 101 minutes, this does it no favors at all! Though Mario Nascimbene is best-known for his scores of epic films and was probably assigned to this one for just that reason, the lounge music (including a title tune which is not half bad) he composed for the modern early scenes is actually the most effective part of his soundtrack!
The cast is, again, worth discussing: Berova, who's involved in some very mild nudity throughout, is undeniably gorgeous and yet rather petite to act as a stand-in for the statuesque Ursula Andress (trivia note - reportedly, she was deported from the U.K. on suspicions of espionage!); John Richardson, repeating his role from the original film but who has turned villainous in the interim, gives a wooden performance; rugged Edward Judd always makes for a compelling lead in this type of film (I especially loved the way he put-down an exotic dance number secretly organized for his entertainment while a prisoner in Kuma!); Colin Blakely and Jill Melford as a wealthy vacationing couple (on whose yacht a distraught Berova finds herself) make a fine impression, but they unfortunately exit the proceedings very early on; Noel Willman is virtually unrecognizable as a wizened learned man of Kuma; Andre' Morell, appearing in a different role from the one he played in the original, is an embarrassment as a sort of shaman spouting mumbo-jumbo.
As was the case with THE VIKING QUEEN (1967), there's some confusion with respect to the culture and the geography depicted in the film: the city of Kuma is supposed to be situated somewhere in North Africa, yet the natives - whom Judd meets during his journey to locate the kidnapped Berova - speak in Arabic. Similarly, both Morell and the high priests of Kuma are seen to be well-versed in the occult arts: I can't recall if this was as prominent a feature in the original Hammer film but, somehow, it all feels incongruous to the material!
The cast is, again, worth discussing: Berova, who's involved in some very mild nudity throughout, is undeniably gorgeous and yet rather petite to act as a stand-in for the statuesque Ursula Andress (trivia note - reportedly, she was deported from the U.K. on suspicions of espionage!); John Richardson, repeating his role from the original film but who has turned villainous in the interim, gives a wooden performance; rugged Edward Judd always makes for a compelling lead in this type of film (I especially loved the way he put-down an exotic dance number secretly organized for his entertainment while a prisoner in Kuma!); Colin Blakely and Jill Melford as a wealthy vacationing couple (on whose yacht a distraught Berova finds herself) make a fine impression, but they unfortunately exit the proceedings very early on; Noel Willman is virtually unrecognizable as a wizened learned man of Kuma; Andre' Morell, appearing in a different role from the one he played in the original, is an embarrassment as a sort of shaman spouting mumbo-jumbo.
As was the case with THE VIKING QUEEN (1967), there's some confusion with respect to the culture and the geography depicted in the film: the city of Kuma is supposed to be situated somewhere in North Africa, yet the natives - whom Judd meets during his journey to locate the kidnapped Berova - speak in Arabic. Similarly, both Morell and the high priests of Kuma are seen to be well-versed in the occult arts: I can't recall if this was as prominent a feature in the original Hammer film but, somehow, it all feels incongruous to the material!
Rubbish, from start to finish
john-70-69027823 December 2023
This is very much a 'B'- movie, in fact it may even qualify as a 'C'.
The cast is second rate and the replacement for the immortal "She" is clearly no more than a look-a-like. The acting is stilted, at best, and the script mostly very weak; the characters and overall story line are really poor. Any connection with the original stories of H Ryder Haggard is purely coincidental. In fact the story, and how it progresses, makes very little sense.
Having read the original books and watched the first film, this is an utterly pointless and unconnected piece of cinematic nonsense. Forget it, wipe it from the mind. Whoever wrote this must have been having a bad day, while whoever directed it was having an even worse one.
The cast is second rate and the replacement for the immortal "She" is clearly no more than a look-a-like. The acting is stilted, at best, and the script mostly very weak; the characters and overall story line are really poor. Any connection with the original stories of H Ryder Haggard is purely coincidental. In fact the story, and how it progresses, makes very little sense.
Having read the original books and watched the first film, this is an utterly pointless and unconnected piece of cinematic nonsense. Forget it, wipe it from the mind. Whoever wrote this must have been having a bad day, while whoever directed it was having an even worse one.
Still lacklustre
Leofwine_draca24 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
THE VENGEANCE OF SHE is a lacklustre follow-up to the lacklustre original; I'm afraid that I can't really think of any truly successful H. Rider Haggard adaptations for the screen, something seems to always go wrong in the process. This one has a new story with a different cast, with another voluptuous blonde taking the place of the original's Ursula Andress. The story is plodding and overlong, mildly interesting in the early yachting section (perhaps reminiscent of THE LOST CONTINENT) but really stalling once the action reaches North Africa. The cast features various well-known stars hamming it up, from Noel Willman's unusual grey face makeup to John Richardson (turned baddie), Andre Morell as a shaman, Edward Judd as square-jawed hero and George Sewell and Colin Blakely as more dependable British chaps. There's a dearth of action and only mild suspense on occasion, while all of the mystical mumbo jumbo was handled much better in the likes of THE DEVIL RIDES OUT.
Should have stuck to horror
malcolmgsw20 August 2021
Hammer made a number of non horror films. Rather a bad choice. Everything about this film is second rate. The acting,the script,the sets. Actors having to spout nonsense dialogue. This might be of little consequence if the film were not so totally boring.
Memories just ain't enough
bkoganbing1 December 2016
Ursula Andress may be burned up from her version of She, but John Richardson who was the incarnation of her lost love Kalikrates is now truly assumed the identity of his ancient ancestor and his now immortal being is running things in that ancient city deep in the African mountains.
In The Vengeance Of She, Richardson still has certain temporal needs and feelings and the memory of Andress and a strong right hand just isn't enough. She who must be obeyed has reached from the beyond to one who is maybe her blood kin in the present day played by Olga Schoberova.
The only problem for Schoberova is she's develops a flesh and blood boyfriend in Edward Judd who doesn't want to lose her. Richardson has an additional problem, an Arab sheik played by Derek Godfrey who wants some of that immortality. He has delusions of being Osama Bin-Laden and even Osama didn't quite aspire to that.
One breathtaking plot and give the players credit for delivering these lines like they were written by the Bard. But this one truly is ludicrous.
In The Vengeance Of She, Richardson still has certain temporal needs and feelings and the memory of Andress and a strong right hand just isn't enough. She who must be obeyed has reached from the beyond to one who is maybe her blood kin in the present day played by Olga Schoberova.
The only problem for Schoberova is she's develops a flesh and blood boyfriend in Edward Judd who doesn't want to lose her. Richardson has an additional problem, an Arab sheik played by Derek Godfrey who wants some of that immortality. He has delusions of being Osama Bin-Laden and even Osama didn't quite aspire to that.
One breathtaking plot and give the players credit for delivering these lines like they were written by the Bard. But this one truly is ludicrous.
The Goddess Ayesha
claudio_carvalho9 April 2022
The blonde Carol (Olga Schoberová) is a beautiful young woman walking to the French Riviera on the road. After an accident with a rapist truck driver, she swims to a yacht owned by the wealthy George (Colin Blakely) that finds the stowaway and welcomes her with his wife Sheila (Jill Melford) and their psychologist friend Philip (Colin Blakely). She explains that she has no recollections of her life and she has nightmares asking her to go to somewhere. Meanwhile, in the ancient and lost city of Kuma, the immortal leader Killikrates (John Richardson) promises eternal life to his right hand Men-Hari (Derek Godfrey) if he brings his beloved Ayesha back. Men-Hari uses his power to bring Carol to Kuma and the girl starts to believe that she is the reincarnation of Ayesha. But Philip falls for Carol and tries to find her.
"The Vengeance of She" is a film by Hammer with the gorgeous Olga Schoberová in the lead role. The beginning is confused without any development of Carol and the reception to her in the yacht is weird. The crush of Philip on her is also strange, with the "hero" travelling to the desert with his friend to look for her. Anyway, it is another good adventure to watch in a rainy afternoon. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): "The Vengeance of She"
"The Vengeance of She" is a film by Hammer with the gorgeous Olga Schoberová in the lead role. The beginning is confused without any development of Carol and the reception to her in the yacht is weird. The crush of Philip on her is also strange, with the "hero" travelling to the desert with his friend to look for her. Anyway, it is another good adventure to watch in a rainy afternoon. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): "The Vengeance of She"
A real (funny) Hammer classic
manman3 May 2001
As the cover/poster of the film probably tells you, it cannot be taken completely seriously. It is full of silly sets, utterly bad taste skimpy dresses, bad acting and funny horror effects. The story, of course is something anyone could come up with in 20 minutes. Most enjoyable if you like "bad" films.
The third "She" version is higly underrated!!!
elo-equipamentos7 March 2019
This was as far I'd rembered the Third "SHE" version, although it shouldn't to be compared with the previous ones, but much better than 84' version starring by Sandhal Bergman, it certainly won't disappoint anyone who really like this kind of genre properly, has been a Hammer production stay clear to the critics what is all about, the studio used to make an offbeat pictures from an unusual unknown and bizarre mix of fantasy and adventure, this amazing sequel from Ursula's She that was a lavish production, the sins come up when they allowed a tight budge, having a foreign actress on leading role, despite his unbeatable beauty Olinka Berova (Olga Schoberová), was miles away from Ursula Andress, even having a strong and famous cast as John Richardson, Edward Judd, Andre Morell, George Sewell and Colin Blakely too, a bad screenplay and also coupled a worst special effects screwed up the picture, l had it on DVD-R from internet download version on a bad shape, hope soon see it on plenty way, on a official release fully restored!!!
Resume:
First watch: 1988 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 6.5
Resume:
First watch: 1988 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 6.5
Too much disappointed...
AwaixJvd17 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This in no way is accordingly to the novel written by H.Rider Haggard. Even before there had been many attempts to make film on this novel, namely "she" in 1912 version, then some other. Even then I commented and explained.
This was the first novel of my life, my father gifted me this book, and since then I had loved it. The imagination of the author is marvelous, astounding and grave. While showing in this film, the plot has been changed so much that it lost the originality and beauty. It became something else than the novel.
Even watching the earlier parts, of this film, I said, SKIPPING the details due to technicalities and technology available when the film is made is something different and acceptable but changing the original plot and altering with something else makes the film go to worst. I mean this is totally meaningless to show, that Kelikretes is immortal and waiting for She, this was never been in novel plot. There was no Minhari, having lust for the flame of immortality. There is no girl being drawn towards the city of Kuma in the novel plot. Even the name of the city is not Kuma, it is Kor.
I was disappointed to see even this version and I am waiting someone make a good and truthful version of this film because I believe the originality of the real plot makes it more interesting to see the film. I am sure whoever has read the novel, would agree with me that this film is something else, not the real one.
Now I come to THIS film, well as a film (forgetting novel completely) yea it is good one. When you are in entertainment business, and when entertainment is show business, then it might have been a good attempt, and also as IMDb data records show, the film has done a good business. Not so much good, but good to see, if you are watching it for entertainment.
This was the first novel of my life, my father gifted me this book, and since then I had loved it. The imagination of the author is marvelous, astounding and grave. While showing in this film, the plot has been changed so much that it lost the originality and beauty. It became something else than the novel.
Even watching the earlier parts, of this film, I said, SKIPPING the details due to technicalities and technology available when the film is made is something different and acceptable but changing the original plot and altering with something else makes the film go to worst. I mean this is totally meaningless to show, that Kelikretes is immortal and waiting for She, this was never been in novel plot. There was no Minhari, having lust for the flame of immortality. There is no girl being drawn towards the city of Kuma in the novel plot. Even the name of the city is not Kuma, it is Kor.
I was disappointed to see even this version and I am waiting someone make a good and truthful version of this film because I believe the originality of the real plot makes it more interesting to see the film. I am sure whoever has read the novel, would agree with me that this film is something else, not the real one.
Now I come to THIS film, well as a film (forgetting novel completely) yea it is good one. When you are in entertainment business, and when entertainment is show business, then it might have been a good attempt, and also as IMDb data records show, the film has done a good business. Not so much good, but good to see, if you are watching it for entertainment.
2000 Years of Immortality
berberian00-276-690851 December 2016
How about that mess with H. Rider Haggard's heritage! Ayesha or She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed has been filmed several times and none of them comes true to spirit of the original. "She" (1925) is silent movie with extensive budget but parts of script are missing. "She" (1935) goes as far as the North Pole where Leo/Kallikrates stumble on lost city Kor. "She" (1965) is most popular where Horace and Leo travel to lost city of Kuma. Ayesha dies in the Eternal Fire, while Kallikrates becomes immortal and waits for her reincarnation. There comes "Vengeance of She" (1968) as sequel, where Carol - a modern European girls - is taken over by the spirit of mysterious Ayesha. Finally, "She" (2001) is the latest remake which I couldn't obtain and YouTube has ban on it.
Let's get to the meat now. It appears that Ayesha story is four novels serial written by H. Rider Haggard at different time intervals (1886, 1905, 1921 and 1923). You can check in Wikipedia for synopsis but it is still complicated as Maya calendar. So, stay calm until someone gives you digest or otherwise a one page summary plot. Then if you have patience and compliance, you can stop worry or else you start arguing because its in your character. I know people that hold strong executive positions and still haven't read a book in their life. They are just proxy for authority.
H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925) is the most important English writer of adventure fiction. Unfortunately, his novels are not reissued regularly and maybe because there is lack of demand. For instance, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is English Victorian era author who wrote numerous highly acclaimed novels. I would rather read two novels from H. Rider Haggard than one from Charles Dickens. It's not that he is dull, but he is highly unreadable. In our country Haggard has been translated widely in the past 80-90 years. New titles are coming in translation regularly, but I repeat, original Haggard novels are difficult to obtain.
"She: A History of Adventure" and "Ayesha: The Return of She" have appeared recently in double edition. Preface for two books is combined, where the Editor tells the audience how he received a parcel with manuscript. In the parcel, there is attached letter from executives of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey. The manuscript gives a first-person narrative of Ayesha adventures for 2000 years.
Ayesha was borrowed from Arabic, being traditionally one of Mohammed's wives names. What happened in the plot ... ehh, you can start in 500 B.C. when the frame story begin. A threesome story evolves when the Persian king invades Egypt and three people flee away in hidden kingdom of Kor, in Africa. Those are Ayesha (celibate priestess), Kallikrates the Greek (mercenary employed by the Pharaoh), and Egyptian princess (loves Kallikrates and seeks revenge on Ayesha). The story builds on ...
Let's get to the meat now. It appears that Ayesha story is four novels serial written by H. Rider Haggard at different time intervals (1886, 1905, 1921 and 1923). You can check in Wikipedia for synopsis but it is still complicated as Maya calendar. So, stay calm until someone gives you digest or otherwise a one page summary plot. Then if you have patience and compliance, you can stop worry or else you start arguing because its in your character. I know people that hold strong executive positions and still haven't read a book in their life. They are just proxy for authority.
H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925) is the most important English writer of adventure fiction. Unfortunately, his novels are not reissued regularly and maybe because there is lack of demand. For instance, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is English Victorian era author who wrote numerous highly acclaimed novels. I would rather read two novels from H. Rider Haggard than one from Charles Dickens. It's not that he is dull, but he is highly unreadable. In our country Haggard has been translated widely in the past 80-90 years. New titles are coming in translation regularly, but I repeat, original Haggard novels are difficult to obtain.
"She: A History of Adventure" and "Ayesha: The Return of She" have appeared recently in double edition. Preface for two books is combined, where the Editor tells the audience how he received a parcel with manuscript. In the parcel, there is attached letter from executives of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey. The manuscript gives a first-person narrative of Ayesha adventures for 2000 years.
Ayesha was borrowed from Arabic, being traditionally one of Mohammed's wives names. What happened in the plot ... ehh, you can start in 500 B.C. when the frame story begin. A threesome story evolves when the Persian king invades Egypt and three people flee away in hidden kingdom of Kor, in Africa. Those are Ayesha (celibate priestess), Kallikrates the Greek (mercenary employed by the Pharaoh), and Egyptian princess (loves Kallikrates and seeks revenge on Ayesha). The story builds on ...
Arabian Nights and a gladiator movie, all in one.
mark.waltz25 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Structured to be oh so serious as it deals with troubled blonde Olga Schoberová, going from dealing with a perverted letch to finding out that she's next in line to be the one who must be obeyed. Schoberová appears in flashback apparently as the character that Ursula Andress played in the 1965 Hammer version, as well as the double stunned to find her doppelganger carved in gold on the side of a very steep canyon.
Exotic looking sets fool the audience into thinking that they're watching something profound with poetic sounding dialog from supposedly mystical characters who are castaways from Shangri-La, one of them looking like the high Llama and another looking like any one of the villains from "Lawrence of Arabia" or later "Indiana Jones" films. But it's painfully slow and rarely unintentionally funny which could have made this a camp classic. The more it strives for spectacle while shooting the fantasy sequences, the further away it flies from actually being spectacular. The costumes combine every theme that Hammer could grab quickly from wardrobe to add to its conflicting period of time setting.
Exotic looking sets fool the audience into thinking that they're watching something profound with poetic sounding dialog from supposedly mystical characters who are castaways from Shangri-La, one of them looking like the high Llama and another looking like any one of the villains from "Lawrence of Arabia" or later "Indiana Jones" films. But it's painfully slow and rarely unintentionally funny which could have made this a camp classic. The more it strives for spectacle while shooting the fantasy sequences, the further away it flies from actually being spectacular. The costumes combine every theme that Hammer could grab quickly from wardrobe to add to its conflicting period of time setting.
My name is Carol
Bernie444419 April 2024
Carol has disturbing dreams and wakes up screaming "Ayesha." She is also compelled to go to a secret destination. On the way, she has many trials and tribulations. She also befriends a psychiatrist that is interested in helping her by following her journey. Anyone who tries to deter her from her quest is mysteriously killed in the style of the movie "Final Destination" (2000). What will she find there and is she Ayesha or the victim of mind control?
Many viewers like to say that "this is not like the book 'The Return of She'"; for this movie, viewers have to also get over the loss of Ursula Andrews and the absence of the whip (should be "G" rated). Once the shock is over this is quite a good movie.
The sets and scenes were well done. There was nothing unbelievable and nothing that looked like cardboard. The blue flame looked familiar to the original "She" Viewers.
The cast was well chosen for the movie. Of course, there is Olinka Berova (Schoberov?) as Carol. She faithfully does a convincing job of playing a confused Carol/Ayesha. Another surprise is Colin Blakely. He plays a rich yacht owner (George) in this movie and played a rich yacht owner (Sir Horace Blatt) in Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun" (1982)
Many viewers like to say that "this is not like the book 'The Return of She'"; for this movie, viewers have to also get over the loss of Ursula Andrews and the absence of the whip (should be "G" rated). Once the shock is over this is quite a good movie.
The sets and scenes were well done. There was nothing unbelievable and nothing that looked like cardboard. The blue flame looked familiar to the original "She" Viewers.
The cast was well chosen for the movie. Of course, there is Olinka Berova (Schoberov?) as Carol. She faithfully does a convincing job of playing a confused Carol/Ayesha. Another surprise is Colin Blakely. He plays a rich yacht owner (George) in this movie and played a rich yacht owner (Sir Horace Blatt) in Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun" (1982)
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