South of Algiers

South of Algiers

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1953
Founder	Jack Lee (director)
Products	Adventure film

South of Algiers (known in the U.S. as The Golden Mask, and alternatively titled Mask of Pharaoh) is a 1953 British travel adventure motion picture directed by Jack Lee. The film features performances by Van Heflin, Wanda Hendrix, and Eric Portman. The screenplay, penned by Robert Westerby, includes scenes shot partially on location in Algeria.

Plot

Dr. Burnet, an academic affiliated with the British Museum, embarks on a quest to uncover the fabled Golden Mask of Moloch, believed to be hidden within a forgotten Roman tomb in the Algerian desert. Due to financial constraints that prevent hiring a professional archaeologist, he enlists the help of Nicholas Chapman, an American writer eager to document his adventures. Although Burnet questions Chapman's qualifications, he consents to his participation.

Unbeknownst to the main group, the expedition is covertly trailed by Petris, a treasure seeker, and his partner Kress, who intend to steal the mask for their own gain.

While in Algiers, Burnet reunites with his daughter Anne and her boyfriend Jacques, whose father manages the local antiquities museum. Anne initially finds Chapman's brash demeanor off-putting but softens after witnessing his compassion toward local children. Later that evening, Kress deceives Chapman at a nightclub, causing him to lose crucial maps.

The team journeys across the Sahara Desert on camels, confronting sandstorms and unfriendly nomadic tribes. Upon reaching the tombs, they narrowly avoid disaster when part of the excavation site collapses. Petris and Kress coerce Chapman into disclosing the tomb's location and plan to eliminate Burnet's party to claim the mask. Nevertheless, Chapman outsmarts them and secures possession of the artifact.

With their adversaries overcome, Anne admits her affection for Chapman, while Jacques graciously steps aside. Burnet acknowledges his earlier misjudgment of Chapman and prepares to ensure the mask’s safe transport back to London.

Cast

• Van Heflin as Nicholas Chapman
• Wanda Hendrix as Anne Burnet
• Eric Portman as Doctor Burnet
• Charles Goldner as Petris
• Jacques B. Brunius as Kress
• Jacques François as Jacques Farnod
• Aubrey Mather as Professor Young
• Simone Silva as Zara
• Marne Maitland as Thankyou
• George Pastell as Hassan
• Alec Mango as Mahmoud

Production

Jack Lee, the director, referred to the film as "old hokum," emphasizing that it was predominantly shot on location. He remarked that despite its reliance on familiar tropes—featuring straightforward heroes and villains along with spahis pursuing bandits—the project was enjoyable.

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin praised the movie for its vivid portrayal of local elements such as beggar children, oasis settlements, indigenous crafts, camels traversing deserts, sandstorms, and an energetic confrontation between a red-coated patrol and bandits. The musical accompaniment and editing were also commended. On the downside, criticism was directed at the film’s weak storyline and Eric Portman’s ill-suited casting. Supporting cast members received favorable mentions, notably Marne Maitland’s humorous depiction of an Arab chauffeur. Overall, while uneven in execution, the film was valued for its authentic setting.

External links

• South of Algiers at BFI Film & TV Database