The Vengeance of She

Hammer Films

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

The Vengeance of She is a 1968 British fantasy film directed by Cliff Owen, featuring performances by John Richardson, Olinka Berova, Edward Judd, André Morell, and Colin Blakely. Produced by Hammer Films, it serves as a loose follow-up to the 1965 movie She, though it diverges significantly from the 1905 novel Ayesha: The Return of She authored by H. Rider Haggard.

Plot

Carol, a young woman from Europe, is mentally drawn to the ancient lost city of Kuma through telepathic means, destined to become the reincarnation of its former sovereign, Ayesha, and the consort of Kallikrates. Men-Hari, a member of the secretive ancient race known as the Magi, aims to exploit Carol to access the sacred flame during a rare celestial alignment, which would grant him eternal life and dominion over the world. To fulfill this plan, he must escort Carol to Kallikrates before the flame ignites.

Men-Hari faces opposition from his father Za-Tor, who leads the Magi, along with Dr. Phillip Smith, a psychiatrist who falls in love with Carol. Following separation and numerous confrontations—including Men-Hari's ruthless seizure of Magi leadership and elimination of adversaries—Carol and Phillip reunite and press onward toward Kuma.

Upon their arrival, Carol is received with honor while Phillip is imprisoned. Za-Tor collaborates with Phillip to thwart Men-Hari’s scheme. Assisted by Sharna, a servant loyal to Kallikrates, Phillip manages to escape. As the sacred flame ignites, Phillip’s intervention frees Carol from Men-Hari’s influence. Za-Tor reveals Men-Hari's betrayal to Kallikrates, who then forbids Men-Hari from entering the flame.

In retaliation, Men-Hari murders Za-Tor but is subsequently killed by Kallikrates' guards. Overcome with despair, Kallikrates takes his own life by entering the sacred flame, rapidly aging and dying. As Phillip and Carol escape, Za-Tor prays for Kuma’s destruction; the sacred flame erupts violently, triggering an earthquake that obliterates the city and its inhabitants. This catastrophe signals the demise of Kuma and the Magi.

Production

Shortly after completing She, Hammer Film Productions planned a sequel initially titled Ayesha – Daughter of She, with Ursula Andress intended for the lead role. However, Andress did not reprise her role due to her contract ending after She. Although Susan Denberg was considered for the part, ultimately newcomer Olinka Berova was chosen.

Filming commenced on 26 June 1967 at MGM/EMI studios in England, supplemented by location shoots in Monte Carlo and Almeria, Spain.

Co-star Edward Judd remarked that Berova lacked acting experience and screen technique expertise, which complicated working with her. Nonetheless, he accepted his role primarily for financial reasons. This production marked Judd's final leading performance.

Don Sharp was initially set to direct but was unavailable for this project.

Release

The film debuted in London on 4 April 1968.

Reception

Critically and commercially, the film performed poorly.

The Monthly Film Bulletin criticized it as a "grotesquely unconvincing melodrama" featuring weak dialogue and a cast largely deserving of pity as they struggled through "turgid situations," also highlighting its tenuous connection to Rider Haggard’s original narrative.

Box office

According to Fox records, the film required $1,575,000 in rental revenue to reach the break-even point; however, by December 11, 1970, it had generated only $850,000, leading to a financial shortfall for the studio.

External links

• The Vengeance of She at AllMovie