Group of GIs stationed in India at the end of World War II search for local color, and find it when they visit the temple of a snake worshipping cult. Unfortunately one of them is dumb enough to take a flash camera into the temple, bringing a death curse down upon the whole group.
After the war, the members of the group start dying in accidents, while one of them meets a mysterious woman, who doesn't drink or smoke, and whom animals are deathly afraid of. Coincidence? Of course not. . .
Decent little thriller is slightly too slow-moving, but benefits from some moody, noirish photography that creates a Lewtonesque atmosphere, as well as a fine conflicted performance from Domergue, who for once gets to do more than make coffee for the scientists. The five main leads (Long, Thompson, Reynolds, Kelly & Janssen) all had leading roles in TV shows of the 60s (Big Valley, Daktari, The F.B.I., Maverick and The Fugitive, respectively), which may account for some of its appeal today. The filmmakers and cast do deserve some credit for sketching the cursed group as likable enough guys, because honestly they rather deserve what they get for being ignorant "Ugly American" type tourists.
-Dave W. |