Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence.
This month marks the 40th anniversary of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ iconic adventure film, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. The film that introduced the world to the swashbuckling archeologist Indiana Jones took inspiration from many places, one of which being the 1954 adventure film, SECRET OF THE INCAS.
American adventurer Harry Steele (Charlton Heston), possesses the key to finding an ancient Inca treasure with no means to travel there. He encounters and seduces Elena Antonescu (Nicole Maurey), a Romanian defector, and uses her situation to make their way towards the treasure…
Directed by Jerry Hopper, SECRET OF THE INCAS is an “adventure” film that takes a while to find its footing. The stepping-off point, which every film has, takes a very long time to unfold. The film hangs around its opening location for what seems like an eternity with Harry Steele. Steele is set up as an anti-hero; running cons for the sake of making coin. His long-term goal is to make his way into the jungle where he can find the Inca treasure, and in the nearly-helpless defector Elena, he finally has a way.
Once the story finally gets to the jungle, things don’t really pick up but instead find new ways to grind the supposed adventure to a halt. Steele and Elena fall in with an archeological expedition led by Dr. Moorhead (Robert Young), who immediately falls for Elena and complicates things for Steele’s plans to make off with the treasure. Eventually some action rolls around, with Steele confronting an old rival…but at that point the excitement has been long lost.
Director Jerry Hopper gets great performances out of his cast, with Heston rightfully leading the way. The film was shot on location in Peru and looks gorgeous. With not much action going on the film feels longer than its 98 minutes.
With a sluggish starting point, an unlikeable hero, and dated sexism even for its time, the main draw for SECRET OF THE INCAS is the inspiration it would have on the creation of Indiana Jones. Indy’s outfit, and several scenes are right out of this film. As troubled as it is, it’s worth a look as a matter of film history, but not much else.
BOTTOM LINE: Rent it
Reel Facts: SECRET OF THE INCAS is credited with causing a surge in Peru tourism. Director Jerry Hopper moved over to television after 1958, directing episodes of WAGON TRAIN, GUNSMOKE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, PERRY MASON, and GILLIGAN’S ISLAND.
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