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She (1965 film)

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She is a 1965 British fantasy adventure film created by Hammer Film Productions using CinemaScope. It is an adaptation of the 1887 novel by H. Rider Haggard, She: A History of Adventure. Directed by Robert Day, the cast includes Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson, Rosenda Monteros, and Christopher Lee. The film enjoyed worldwide acclaim, which led to a 1968 follow-up titled The Vengeance of She, starring Olinka Berova.

Plot

Following their honorable discharges from the British Army in Palestine in 1918, Professor Holly, young Leo Vincey, and their orderly Job set out on an expedition into the uncharted regions of central-east Africa. Their journey is guided by a mysterious map given to Leo by Ayesha, leading them to the lost city of Kuma.

The city of Kuma is governed by Ayesha, an immortal queen referred to as "She-Who-Waits" and "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed." She is convinced that Leo is the reincarnation of her ancient lover Kallikrates, whom she killed two millennia prior. Ayesha persuades Leo to enter a rare blue ceremonial fire that granted her eternal life, promising him the same gift.

Meanwhile, the Amahagger, Ayesha’s enslaved tribesmen led by Haumeid, revolt against her rule after his daughter Ustane falls in love with Leo and is executed by Ayesha. This insurrection weakens Ayesha’s control.

As Leo prepares to enter the blue flames, Ayesha’s high priest Billali attempts to gain immortality but is slain by her. Subsequently, Ayesha leads Leo into the fire; he attains immortality while she rapidly ages and dies. Holly urges Leo to return to the flames to reverse his immortality, but when he does, the fire turns yellow and denies him. The story concludes with Leo resigned to wait for the fire’s next blue phase to end his eternal existence.

Cast

As of 2024, Ursula Andress remains the last surviving principal cast member.

Production

The 1965 film adaptation of the novel by H. Rider Haggard, which had been adapted several times before, was initiated by Kenneth Hyman of Seven Arts Productions through his collaboration with Hammer Film Productions. The screenplay was commissioned from John Temple-Smith by Anthony Hinds, and Ursula Andress—famous for Dr. No—was cast, marking Hammer’s first production featuring a female protagonist.

After being turned down by Disney, Universal, Joseph E. Levine, and American International Pictures, financing was secured from MGM thanks to Michael Carreras, who provided a budget three times larger than Hammer’s usual allocation.

Announced in May 1964, this project represented Seven Arts’ inaugural co-production with Hammer. John Richardson was cast after being discovered by Seven Arts’ Ray Stark.

Principal photography commenced on August 24, 1964, in Israel’s Negev Desert. Additional scenes were filmed at MGM’s Elstree Studios due to space limitations at Hammer’s Bray Studios. This became Hammer’s most costly production at that time and achieved commercial success in both North America and Europe.

Although Ursula Andress received acclaim for her screen presence—enhanced by cinematographer Harry Waxman and costume designers Carl Toms and Roy Ashton—her Swiss-German accent resulted in her voice being entirely dubbed by Nikki van der Zyl, who had also dubbed her in Dr. No. Similarly, John Richardson’s voice was dubbed in this film and its sequel.

Remarkably, despite containing intense sequences such as supernatural aging effects, violent spearing scenes, and characters being lowered into lava pits, the film was granted a UK BBFC U certificate (suitable for all audiences), which it continues to hold.

The Region 2 DVD release from Optimum and StudioCanal presents an incorrect aspect ratio of 1.78:1 rather than the original Cinemascope 2.35:1 format, resulting in cropped visuals. An earlier Warner Home Video DVD release maintained the correct ratio but lacked anamorphic enhancement. To date, no Blu-ray edition has been released.

Critical reception

The New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther criticized the movie for its absence of "style, sophistication, humour, sense, and above all, a reason for being," remarking that it failed to surpass the 1935 remake featuring Helen Gahagan. The British publication Radio Times gave the film a rating of three stars out of five, praising Ursula Andress's acting and the film's captivating African landscapes, ultimately stating that although imperfect, it provides plenty of entertainment.

See also

External links

  • She at AllMovie
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