Two Americans with the free French played by Buster Crabbe and Paul Bryar are sent to Carraby, a small village in Africa to build an airfield. They have to contend with restless natives under the influence of the evil Chief Schlangi who is in turn controlled by a married couple that are Nazi agents. The Nazis want to take this area for themselves and plan on stopping the two Americans sent there. Enter Ann Corio as Kuhlaya, the white woman brought up by natives after Chief Schlangi killed her parents when she was a child. Kuhlaya is at home in the jungle and basically a female version Tarzan. She is the so called Jungle Siren. An older, kind hearted but alcoholic white doctor acts as a substitute father and friend to Kuhlaya. Both the doctor and Kuhlaya are pro allies. You don't see many wild animal scenes like I thought would be in a picture like this. There is some drama, adventure and romance all 1940s style. When this movie came out, one of the main attractions to this movie was the opportunity to see the beautiful Ann Corio in her jungle garb. For today's audience, there is nothing to this. It's very mild and tame by today's standards. This is a short movie in black and white. It has some sound problems. The sound is sometimes scratchy and when the characters speak softly you have to listen carefully. Some of the terminology used is straight from the 40s and may be a bit hard for the uninitiated to understand. It's politically and historically incorrect but what movie from that period isn't. You've really got to like the older films to enjoy Jungle Siren. If you can't appreciate the older films, don't even try with this one you would be wasting your time. The younger generation will be lost watching this movie. I found it to still hold my attention and thought it was entertaining. It doesn't have the same kick as it would have had in the 40s but it's a fun film. If you like the oldies, try it.
