Movie Review: Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold

Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986) 

Starring:  Richard Chamberlain, Sharon Stone, James Earl Jones, Henry Silva, Robert Donner, Doghmi Larbi,  Aileen Marson, Cassandra Peterson, Martin Rabbett 

Director: Gary Nelson 

Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions, USA, Zimbabwe, 1986.

This movie is a direct sequel to King Solomon's Mines (1985). (Reviewed here!).
After the happenings in King Solomon's Mines, Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain) and Jessie (Sharon Stone) are going to get married. Jessie wants them to move to America. The wedding plans have to be postponed. A man is running away from chasers wearing greaves made of gold and he stumbles into Allan's house. The man is Dumont (Rory Kilalea), an old friend of Allan. He has a Phoenician coin and he tells about a golden city. He also mentions seeing Allan's lost brother, Robeson. At night the man is murdered. 

Dumont hiding from the killers

New suit is not Allan's style

Allan goes to see guru Swarma (Robert Donner) who may have information. Swarma tells about the Lost City of Gold that is ruled by lost white race. Allan must plan an expedition to search for his brother, but Jessie is not happy. Allan hires axe-wielding Umslopogaas (James Earl Jones) and his five Askari warriors for help. Also Jessie and cowardly Swarma join the group. 

Swarma is a spiritual guru who likes gold

Umslopogaas and his axe

The group travels to Walls of Jalpora. The Walls are full of traps. After surviving those, the group meets some unfriendly natives from Esbowe tribe. After escaping to underground cave (and meeting a giant corpse worm) they are almost scorched by a pillar of fire. There are also big silly-looking snakes or something. They do not seem to be poisonous for one bites Umslopogaas. After couple of jump scares the city is found. 

Esbowe chief

Weird snake things

Lost city is found

The inhabitants of the city are friendly and peaceful. Robeson (Martin Rabbett) is found and he is well. Evil high priest Agon (Henry Silva) arrests the adventurers and wants to throw tem into a pit of molten gold. The city is ruled by two sisters, good Queen Nyleptha (Aileen Marson) and evil Queen Sorais (Cassandra Peterson). The latter is 80s horror icon Elvira! When Allan deflects a spear (he has a hidden body armour) he is thought to have supernatural powers. Agon leaves the palace and begins to scheme with Sorais.

Allan finds his brother

Queen Nyleptha is the good queen

Queen Sorais looks like Elvira

Agon is gold-obsessed and makes his enemies into gold statues. Allan has to test his strenght with Agon's henchman Nasta (Doghmi Larbi). Nasta breaks a rock with his head. Allan destroys a stone bench with magical dynamite stick. Agon loses his influence and leaves. He gathers the enemies of Allan and plans to conquer the city. Allan and the team train the people to defend the city. Allan finds a weird way to melt gold.

High priest Agon

Agon turns a poor guy into a gold statue

Now it is Allan's turn to break a rock

The movie continues going on the footsteps of Indiana Jones. This time the inspiration was clearly Temple of Doom with Indian character and pits of molten lava (or gold). The movie has less action and comedy than the previous entry. Also the main villains are not as good. Sharon Stone has a smaller role here. James Earl Jones is great as mighty warrior. Most of the music is recycled from the first film. It is still an entertaining adventure but not as good as the King Solomon's Mines.

Umslopogaas ready for battle

Rating: Average