King Solomon's Mines

Based on H. Rider Haggard's celebrated novel, this "fast-moving" (Screen International) action safari is "a very wicked jungle brew" (Chicago Tribune)! Starring Richard Chamberlain ("The Thorn Birds") and OscarÂ(r) nominee* Sharon Stone (Casino), King Solomon's Mines is truly "stirring entertainment" (Variety)!Commissioned by the stunning Jessie Huston (Stone) to find her explorer father in Africa, rugged adventurer Allan Quatermain (Chamberlain) must contend with Nazis, cannibals, a jungle full of dangerous animals and the wiles of the woman who hired him! But as Allan and Jessie near the spot where her father was last seenthe legendary King Solomon's Minesthey encounter more danger and breathtaking excitement'than even they hadbargained for!*1995: Actress, Casino

Though modern audiences may find the performances in this prototypical darkest-Africa adventure yarn somewhat creaky, vintage-film fans will relish this rousing adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's novel. Sir Cedric Hardwicke stars as Allan Quartermain, a Great White Hunter who aids a young woman (Anna Lee, who was married to the film's director, Robert Stevenson) in locating her father, who has gone missing in his search for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon. With the assistance of the regal Umbopa (Paul Robeson), Quartermain and his party locate the mines, but quickly find themselves in the midst of two warring tribes. The use of African locations and indigenous tribesmen help to give the film a gritty authenticity, and the presence of the legendary Robeson (who sings three songs) adds a degree of historical importance to this engaging action-drama. --Paul Gaita