He may not be battling the entire Apache Nation, or winning World War II single handedly, but John Wayne has his hands full with co-star Sophia Loren in this desert adventure. Wayne's character is Joe January, a guide hired by Paul Bonnard (Rosanno Brazzi) to help him locate his missing father and a lost treasure in the Sahara Desert. Loren's character Dita is a reforming prostitute, who shanghais herself onto the expedition, and creates an unnerving romantic tussle between the two male leads, who manage to have two fist fights on her behalf before it's all over.
That said, the premise sounds more interesting than the actual presentation. The film moves along rather slowly, and offers little in the way of excitement or interest in support of the story. The one sit up and take notice scene occurs when January attempts to pull the plug on the expedition when their water runs down to an eight hour supply, and Dita obliges by dumping the canteens in support of Bonnard's legend. Fortunately the lost city suddenly appears, and sets the stage for some intrigue as Bonnard slowly loses his mind after discovering the remains of his father's party. Jealous of January's interest in Dita, he leaves both stranded at the ruins, taking all the water, supplies and pack animals with him.
Offsetting the pace of the story is the excellent cinematography of the Libyan Sahara, rich with vibrant color. You felt the searing heat and the wretchedness of being stranded without hope for survival, yet knowing things would always work out for hero and heroine. At least Wayne's character had one true friend in the film, his donkey (mule?) Janet remained true blue to the end.
This is not one of John Wayne's more charismatic adventures, and among his lesser known starring roles. I'll recommend it though for at least one offbeat scene - Wayne does a mean jackass impersonation!
That said, the premise sounds more interesting than the actual presentation. The film moves along rather slowly, and offers little in the way of excitement or interest in support of the story. The one sit up and take notice scene occurs when January attempts to pull the plug on the expedition when their water runs down to an eight hour supply, and Dita obliges by dumping the canteens in support of Bonnard's legend. Fortunately the lost city suddenly appears, and sets the stage for some intrigue as Bonnard slowly loses his mind after discovering the remains of his father's party. Jealous of January's interest in Dita, he leaves both stranded at the ruins, taking all the water, supplies and pack animals with him.
Offsetting the pace of the story is the excellent cinematography of the Libyan Sahara, rich with vibrant color. You felt the searing heat and the wretchedness of being stranded without hope for survival, yet knowing things would always work out for hero and heroine. At least Wayne's character had one true friend in the film, his donkey (mule?) Janet remained true blue to the end.
This is not one of John Wayne's more charismatic adventures, and among his lesser known starring roles. I'll recommend it though for at least one offbeat scene - Wayne does a mean jackass impersonation!