“King Solomon’s Mines 1985″ is an adventurous film about a female explorer named Jesse who embarks on a perilous journey to find the legendary mines of King Solomon in Africa. Her team is led by rugged adventurer Allan Quartermain, and they face many obstacles along the way, including treacherous terrain, hostile tribes, and dangerous wildlife. Ultimately, they find the treasure they seek and escape with their lives intact – but not without facing danger at every turn.”
CLICK HERE🠇🠇🠇📺_Watch King Solomon’s Mines 1985 English Subtitles_
Review
King Solomon’s Mines: A British Adventure in the Heart of Africa
“Big Brother is watching you,” George Orwell wrote in his famous novel 1984. But in the 1937 adventure movie King Solomon’s Mines, it’s not Big Brother but Allan Quatermain who is being watched. Played by Cedric Hardwicke, Quatermain is a seasoned hunter and explorer who embarks on a perilous journey into the uncharted African interior, where he hopes to find a lost diamond mine that was once owned by King Solomon himself.
Based on the 1885 novel of the same name by H. Rider Haggard, King Solomon’s Mines was directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Gaumont-British Picture Corporation. The film was shot on location in Kenya and Tanganyika (now Tanzania), with stunning vistas of mountains, jungles, and waterfalls providing the backdrop to Quatermain’s quest.
The movie opens with an ominous scene: a group of white hunters are ambushed by hostile tribesmen and barely escape with their lives. Among them is Sir Henry Curtis (John Loder), an aristocrat who believes that his brother has found the entrance to the fabled diamond mine. He hires Quatermain to guide him through unknown territory, along with Captain John Goode (Roland Young), an old military friend who provides comic relief.
The trio soon meets up with Umbopa (Paul Robeson), a tall and imposing native who claims to be a prince in disguise. Umbopa proves his worth when he leads them to an oasis that saves them from certain death, and becomes their loyal companion.
As they penetrate deeper into Africa, Quatermain and his companions encounter various dangers and obstacles, including ferocious animals such as lions and crocodiles, treacherous terrain, and unfriendly natives. They also discover evidence of a lost civilization that predates Egyptian pharaohs and holds the key to the diamond mine’s location.
Meanwhile, a rival band of hunters led by the ruthless Van Brun (Arthur Sinclair) are hot on their trail, determined to beat them to the mine and claim its riches for themselves. The tension builds up as the two groups engage in a race against time, with Quatermain using his wits and experience to outsmart his adversaries while protecting his friends.
King Solomon’s Mines is not only a thrilling adventure but also a reflection of its era’s colonial mindset. The white explorers are portrayed as brave and resourceful heroes, while the black natives are often depicted as primitive and superstitious. Robeson’s role as Umbopa is groundbreaking in this regard, as he is one of the few black actors of his time who played a positive character in a major Hollywood production.
The movie also features memorable performances by Hardwicke, Loder, and Young, who bring depth and humor to their respective roles. Robeson shines in his musical numbers, showcasing his powerful voice and charisma. His rendition of “Song of Freedom” is a highlight that resonates even today.
King Solomon’s Mines was well-received by audiences upon its release, grossing over $2 million worldwide. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film’s success spawned several sequels and adaptations over the years, but none quite captured the magic of the original.
In terms of cinematography, King Solomon’s Mines stands out for its use of natural light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere. The aerial shots of African landscapes are breathtaking, while the action scenes are thrillingly staged with minimal use of special effects.
The score by Mischa Spoliansky accentuates the movie’s sense of grandeur and adventure with its soaring strings and tribal drums. It perfectly complements Robeson’s vocals and adds an extra layer of excitement to the chase scenes.
Despite its flaws and limitations, King Solomon’s Mines remains a classic of British cinema that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. It’s a tale of courage, friendship, and perseverance that still inspires audiences today.
As Quatermain declares in one of the movie’s most memorable quotes: “It’s not mansions or money or titles or power I want. I want to see the world before I die.” King Solomon’s Mines is a cinematic journey that takes us to the heart of Africa and beyond.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 100
- Release : 1985-11-22
- Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast : Richard Chamberlain as Allan Quatermain, Sharon Stone as Jesse Huston, Herbert Lom as Colonel Bockner, John Rhys-Davies as Dogati, Ken Gampu as Umbopo
- Crew : Jerry Goldsmith as Original Music Composer, John Shirley as Editor, J. Lee Thompson as Director, Menahem Golan as Producer, Yoram Globus as Producer
- Popularity 16.207
- Budget : $12,500,000
- Revenue : $15,057,465
- Company : Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions
- Summary : Ever in search of adventure, explorer Allan Quatermain agrees to join the beautiful Jesse Huston on a mission to locate her archaeologist father, who has been abducted for his knowledge of the legendary mines of King Solomon. As the kidnappers, led by sinister German military officer Bockner, journey into the wilds of Africa, Allan and Jesse track the party and must contend with fierce natives and dangerous creatures, among other perils.
- Tagline : An action packed adventure, full of laughs and heroics.
