Herrscherin der Wüste

This Hammer production is a fantasy-adventure film. After a brief encounter with a beautiful mysterious woman, a group of adventurers set off to find a lost city in remote Palestine in which she claims to rule. It turns out that she is an immortal being, and one of the party is a reincarnation of her long-lost love. The men subsequently find the lost city and encounter at first-hand She Who Must Be Obeyed…

Despite the presence of a number of Hammer regulars, this is essentially an Ursula Andress vehicle. She was just off the back of her iconic sea-emerging moment from Dr No and was clearly hot property at this time. Not the most gifted or charismatic actress, Andress is never-the-less a very beautiful woman, and therefore looks the part in this role. She is kitted out with an array of fabulous flowing gowns and ornamental head-dresses. And seeing as she is very much the main selling point of the film, it's important to note that she is certainly very aesthetically pleasing. The story itself is very much by-the-numbers, and not especially interesting but is merely a means to an end. Namely an excuse to introduce Ursula in regal attire in fantasy surroundings. These sets are limited by the budget of course, but like all Hammer films it still looks pretty good all things considered. Unlike most Hammer films, though, there is also some on-location photography too, with scenes shot in the desert in the Middle East. This indicates quite clearly that the famous old studio invested a bit more into this production than most, and clearly this was not misplaced seeing as She was one of their biggest commercial successes. Despite this, it isn't in the final analysis an example of the best of their output. It's a little lacking in excitement for too much of the time. Having said this, it does have a rather good ending that is both creepy and surprising. And not only that, it does have both Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee at its disposal which can never be a bad thing quite honestly. So with this in mind and also taking into account that we have a gorgeous ice queen in the lead role, She is a film that has some good things going for it.

Ursula Andress ordering the execution of chained natives whilst wearing what looks like a bird costume; Peter Cushing and Bernard Cribbins cutting the rug with a couple of belly-dancers; Chris Lee wearing a stupid hat: 'She' might not be the greatest Hammer film of all time, but it certainly has its fair share of moments that make it worthwhile!

Based on the H. Rider Haggard adventure of the same name, this 1965 offering from the 'studio that dripped blood' sees a trio of adventurers—Holly (Cushing), Leo (John Richardson) and Job (Cribbins)—seeking the fabled city of Kuma, after they come into possession of a map that reveals its location. After risking their lives travelling through a desert, they arrive at their destination where they meet Ayesha, the immortal queen of the city, who reveals to Leo that he is the reincarnation of her dead lover Callicrates. Now, after 2000 years of waiting, Ayesha will do anything to keep him by her side for the rest of eternity.

Directed by Robert Day (who had previously helmed a couple of Tarzan movies and therefore would seem like an obvious choice for this adventure set in the 'dark continent'), 'She' is a lavish production that, whilst it might never be labelled a classic, has enough spectacle to make it worth a go.

As always, Cushing and Lee give solid performances, and Cribbins is likable as reluctant adventurer Job; Andress and Richardson are rather wooden, but are easy on the eye. Also rather lovely is Rosenda Monteros, as Ustane, a native girl who almost succeeds in luring Leo away from the manipulative Ayesha.

If you're a fan of Hammer films in general, and are partial to a bit of exotic adventure set in far flung lands, then 'She' should fit the bill rather nicely.

6.5 out of 10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.

She is an enjoyable piece of Hammer fluff and that is all there is to say really. True movie fans of Hammer movies see the iconic stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in roles and that makes this movie a treat to watch as they have a presence that gives a certain dignity to the movie. As the lead Ursula Andress shows why she was a sex symbol in the 60's as she is stunning and smoking hot to look at and her acting who cares she is not a thespian that is for Cushing and Lee to do she is to look sexy and alluring and she does that well. The cast does a good job with a good story but as with everything in life there are some shortcomings. One the sets looked cheap and the story one could see events coming because it lacked some intrigue but these are fine as many a movie has this problem but my biggest problem was the lead of John Richardson he may look like Ken come alive but he was so wooden I swear Woody Woodpecker was going to town on his acting skills he has no presence, read lines in a monotonous monotone fashioned and looked bored throughout. In addition his eyes look glazed during the entire movie like he was in a trance and he just awful. Despite this a fun and entertaining movie and critics may carp about many a thing but this movie is true popcorn and I for one like to be entertained I was and would recommend this movie to be seen.

Lovely Hammer vehicle about a group of Britishers trying to find fame, fortune, and for one, love in the desert. The three men are Peter Cushing as a professor of archaeology, Bernard Cribbins as his valet, and John Richardson as Leo...the man promised all if he makes the perilous trip through the desert for She. She is an atypical Hammer film. There is not a lot of blood and horror, but plenty of adventure. The film boasts a fine Hammer troupe of wonderful actors. Cushing is exceptional as the professor. Cribbins(a very underrated actor) also shines. Andre Morrell and Christopher Lee also are on hand. Lee has little to really do, however. The male lead Richardson is a bit on the monotonous side, but he does an adequate job. She, the queen of a lost city and people, is played by sex goddess Ursala "Undress" Andress(she keeps her clothes on in this one). Andress probably does give her finest acting performance in this film(it's okay but don't get TOO excited!). The settings look very good, very realistic, and the score by veteran Hammer composer James Barnard easily is the best thing about the film. Bernard creates a wonderful variety of music which enhance the action and romance in the film.

Hammer are famous for making horror movies (obviously), and 'She' is often considered amongst Hammer's horror offerings. I beg to differ from that notion, as although it certainly has horror elements: this is most definitely an adventure movie. Still, the delirious Hammer style is definitely still there and this movie succeeds in conforming to the camp ideals that Hammer became famous for (and that I love them for!). This is also one of many (though not enough!) movies to feature the immense talents of both of Hammer's super-heavyweights; Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and both deliver to their regular high standard. The plot follows three men who travel to a lost city in search of riches that have been promised to them upon their arrival. However, the city is ruled by the powerful 'She who must be obeyed' (Ursula Andress) and she believes one of the men to be her reincarnated love, so sets about making him conform to her way of thinking...

The film exudes a sense of sleaze, in spite of not being essentially sleazy. This has come about due to the central theme of the woman being the dominant party, and as the woman in question is played by the domineering Ursula Andress, that sense is exuded quite plainly. Also joining in the fun aside from Cushing, Lee and Andress is Hammer favourite André Morell, who completes a rather fine cast. The low budget is more than obvious on a number of occasions, mostly through the cheap looking sets, and it seems as if the producers have been a little over ambitious. It doesn't matter, though, as the low budget adds to the charm and appeal of the movie, which ensures that the movie is even more fun for the viewer. The moral to the story has some credibility too, and the ending actually succeeds in being fairly powerful. On the whole, 'She' isn't a prime example of how great the adventure genre can be; but it's a solid film, and fans of low budget kitsch will find something to like.