La Déesse de feu

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.

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.

I'm not sure why everyone dislikes this film. It not only looks absolutely fantastic for a Hammer film, but also features some fantastic performances by some some of Hammer's best actors(and some who aren't Hammer actors). Some of the amazing performances come from the always excellent Peter Cushing, the(finally)newly knighted Christopher Lee, the great Bernard Cribbins and in her first(and last) Hammer film, the gorgeous Ursula Andress as SHE herself. This film is also wonderfully directed by another one-off Hammer director, Robert Day. However this film does have some low points as well. Some of the plot threads are a little silly and some of the later scenes are very repetitive. By no means the best Hammer film, but no where near the worst.

I don't know if SHE was the most expensive film Hammer ever made but it sure looks like it. Of course it's not LAWRENCE OF ARABIA or ZULU but it does try to cash in on those two films at a fraction of their cost (and length). In addition to Ursula Andress in her prime (in fact "She Who Must Be Obeyed" is the role she was born to play), we get Hammer stalwarts Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee both giving really strong performances especially Cushing who is unlike any other character I've ever seen him play in a Hammer film.

John Richardson, who starred with Barbara Steele in the iconic BLACK SUNDAY back in 1960 and would be opposite Raquel Welch in ONE MILLION YEARS B. C. the following year, makes for a strong and attractive Leo Vincey. The different ending (from the book and other versions) gives the film a surprising poignancy you wouldn't expect.

H. Rider Haggard's novel of an ageless queen and a forgotten city has been filmed many times starting back in the silent era and as recently as 2001 but only this one and the 1935 RKO version have had any kind of staying power. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. One is in B&W, the other color, one is set in the Arctic, this one (like the book) is set in the desert. The '35 version has tremendous art deco sets, Nigel Bruce, and the legendary Gustav von Seyfertitz. Helen Gahagan was regal as SHE but Andress is exotic and very desirable.

While the settings here aren't nearly as lavish, they were influential and this version was a favorite of countless impressionable minds during the 1960s including future filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. This Warner Archive edition stops short of a full restoration but the widescreen transfer allows us to see SHE in all its glory...For more reviews visit The Capsule Critic.

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.