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She
1965 Adventure / Drama / Romance / Fantasy
Review
One of the most expensive films made by
Hammer Film Productions was also to be one of the company’s biggest successes. She is a lavish – and to date the
best – adaptation of H. Rider Haggard’s popular 1887 novel of the same
title. The combined casting coup of Peter Cushing, Christopher
Lee and Ursula Andress (billed as the most beautiful woman in the
world) gave it huge box office appeal. The film is often overlooked today but is one of
Hammer’s best fantasy offerings, combining a well-crafted screenplay, excellent
production values and some memorable performances (including a nice
turn from Bernard Cribbins).
Today, Hammer is best remembered for its low budget Gothic horror films, so those watching She today for the first time will be surprised by its sumptuous visuals and epic feel. The exterior locations were shot in southern Israel, one of Hammer’s very few excursions outside the south of England. In 1968, Hammer released a sequel, The Vengeance of She (1968), although neither the stars nor the director of the original film could be persuaded to make a return appearance (which is probably just as well). Although for most people, She is pure escapist nonsense, it does have a deeper significance and can be interpreted both as a parable on the transience of love and as a warning of the dangers of fascism. © CinemaForever.com 2009 Write a review for this film... User Comments
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Director:
Robert Day
Starring: Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson, Rosenda Monteros Synopsis
1918. Immediately after WWI, three ex-servicemen – Leo, Holly and
Job – are enjoying a brief holiday in the Middle East before resuming
their lives in England. One evening, Leo is abducted and taken to
a house where he is presented to the most beautiful woman he has ever
seen. She introduces herself as Ayesha and tells him that he is
the reincarnation of her former lover, whom she killed two thousand
years ago in a fit of jealousy. Ayesha has discovered the secret
of immortality and promises to give Leo all that he desires if he will
undertake the perilous desert journey to her lost city, Kuma.
Leo persuades his two friends to accompany him and they set out, not
realising that they are to be subject to a series of tests which may
cost them their lives...
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