She (1965)
Directed by Robert Day

Adventure / Drama / Romance / Fantasy

Film Review

Abstract picture representing She (1965)
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.
© James Travers 2009
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Film 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...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Robert Day
  • Script: David T. Chantler, H. Rider Haggard (novel)
  • Cinematographer: Harry Waxman
  • Music: James Bernard
  • Cast: Ursula Andress (Ayesha (She who must be obeyed)), Peter Cushing (Maj. Holly), Bernard Cribbins (Job), John Richardson (Leo Vincey), Rosenda Monteros (Ustane), Christopher Lee (Billali), André Morell (Haumeid), Princess Soraya (Soraya), Julie Mendez (Night Club Dancer), Lisa Peake (Night Club Dancer), George Pastell (Haumeid), Bula Coleman (Handmaiden), George Lane Cooper (Guard), Cherry Larman (Handmaiden), John Maxim (Guard Captain), Oo-Bla-Da Dancers (Native Dancers), Eddie Powell (Thug), Nosher Powell (British Soldier), Roy Stewart (Black Guard)
  • Country: UK
  • Language: English
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 106 min

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