She

Hammer are famous for making horror movies (obviously), and 'She' is often considered amongst Hammer's horror offerings. I beg to differ from that notion, as although it certainly has horror elements: this is most definitely an adventure movie. Still, the delirious Hammer style is definitely still there and this movie succeeds in conforming to the camp ideals that Hammer became famous for (and that I love them for!). This is also one of many (though not enough!) movies to feature the immense talents of both of Hammer's super-heavyweights; Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and both deliver to their regular high standard. The plot follows three men who travel to a lost city in search of riches that have been promised to them upon their arrival. However, the city is ruled by the powerful 'She who must be obeyed' (Ursula Andress) and she believes one of the men to be her reincarnated love, so sets about making him conform to her way of thinking...

The film exudes a sense of sleaze, in spite of not being essentially sleazy. This has come about due to the central theme of the woman being the dominant party, and as the woman in question is played by the domineering Ursula Andress, that sense is exuded quite plainly. Also joining in the fun aside from Cushing, Lee and Andress is Hammer favourite André Morell, who completes a rather fine cast. The low budget is more than obvious on a number of occasions, mostly through the cheap looking sets, and it seems as if the producers have been a little over ambitious. It doesn't matter, though, as the low budget adds to the charm and appeal of the movie, which ensures that the movie is even more fun for the viewer. The moral to the story has some credibility too, and the ending actually succeeds in being fairly powerful. On the whole, 'She' isn't a prime example of how great the adventure genre can be; but it's a solid film, and fans of low budget kitsch will find something to like.

I have seen both the famous 1935 version of "She" starring Helen Gahagan as well as this 1965 version with Ursula Andress. And, while the '35 version is rather infamous as a bad movie (being named to a list of enjoyably bad films by the guy who came up with the Razzie Awards), I think it was much more enjoyable. This 1965 remake, unfortunately, is a bit talky and stiff. However, for fans of Hammer films, escapism and the films of either Peter Cushing or Christopher Lee, it's still worth seeing.

It's interesting that John Richardson receives fourth billing, as to me he was the lead in this film. He doesn't realize it, but he's actually been ordained to become the courtesan of a crazy lady (Andress) who has achieved immortality. The problem, however, is that she is completely amoral--leading a society in a lost city where SHE is to be obeyed--even when she is cruel and capricious--which she frequently is. Yet, oddly, Richardson is drawn to her and feels a sense of destiny--that he MUST have her and join her. Along for the ride is Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee plays her high priest.

The film is pure escapism. Yet, despite the sets and costumes, the film seems to be a bit dull--and spends too much time talking and talking. Now it isn't a bad film--just not all that memorable.

Ursula Andress ordering the execution of chained natives whilst wearing what looks like a bird costume; Peter Cushing and Bernard Cribbins cutting the rug with a couple of belly-dancers; Chris Lee wearing a stupid hat: 'She' might not be the greatest Hammer film of all time, but it certainly has its fair share of moments that make it worthwhile!

Based on the H. Rider Haggard adventure of the same name, this 1965 offering from the 'studio that dripped blood' sees a trio of adventurers—Holly (Cushing), Leo (John Richardson) and Job (Cribbins)—seeking the fabled city of Kuma, after they come into possession of a map that reveals its location. After risking their lives travelling through a desert, they arrive at their destination where they meet Ayesha, the immortal queen of the city, who reveals to Leo that he is the reincarnation of her dead lover Callicrates. Now, after 2000 years of waiting, Ayesha will do anything to keep him by her side for the rest of eternity.

Directed by Robert Day (who had previously helmed a couple of Tarzan movies and therefore would seem like an obvious choice for this adventure set in the 'dark continent'), 'She' is a lavish production that, whilst it might never be labelled a classic, has enough spectacle to make it worth a go.

As always, Cushing and Lee give solid performances, and Cribbins is likable as reluctant adventurer Job; Andress and Richardson are rather wooden, but are easy on the eye. Also rather lovely is Rosenda Monteros, as Ustane, a native girl who almost succeeds in luring Leo away from the manipulative Ayesha.

If you're a fan of Hammer films in general, and are partial to a bit of exotic adventure set in far flung lands, then 'She' should fit the bill rather nicely.

6.5 out of 10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.

H. Rider Haggard's "She" is a book that transcends its original intent. It's a great African adventure yarn, to be sure... but Haggard out-did his usual fare in this case, hitting a particularly resonant chord with his vivid archetypal image of the Eternal Female.

This particular film rendition similarly out-does the usual Hammer horror fare. The story is faithfully adapted from the book, with only the sort of changes that are inevitably needed to squeeze hundreds of pages of text onto less than two hours of celluloid. With no special effects or CGI to distract, Haggard's original plot remains the chief attraction, and what a great Saturday-afternoon adventure it is! Lost cities in Africa... a mysterious queen... the secret of immortality... these elements have been combined many times, but rarely any better than they are here.

Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are solid actors, and give two otherwise conventional roles a delightful extra spin. But the real surprise is Ursula Andress, who seems to have been perfectly directed: she avoids stretching her limited talents, and concentrates on looking regal and mysterious. The costume design helps; I'm not a big fan of Ms Andress' charms, but I find the image of her in that golden-feathered headdress quite unforgettable.

A word also about the music. The four-note fanfare that announces the arrival in the hidden land is absolutely perfect. No lost-civilization film should be made without it.

I keep hoping that some director equipped with both budget and talent one day delivers the screen version that "She" really deserves. But until then, this one will do very nicely.

I really enjoyed Bernard Cribbins as Job, the valet or manservant of the Major, played by Peter Cushing. The barroom scene where Job and the Major take on a squad of drunken soldiers was great fun and should have been longer. Another poster mentioned what great fun it was to see Peter Cushing and Bernard drunkenly dancing with some sexy belly dancers and I agree. It was fairly decent movie that was colorful in the style that Hammer Production was well-known for in the Sixties. I had to wonder about She Who Must Be Obeyed soldiers who perhaps ripped off their garb and shields from another movie being made about the Roman legions on another studio lot. Ursula was very sexy and beautiful. Overall, it is about average sandal and sandals movie.