Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold, released in theaters on January 30, 1987, brings back the dynamic pairing of Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone for a second, even more extravagant adventure. The film picks up shortly after the events of King Solomon’s Mines, with the cynical adventurer Allan Quatermain (Chamberlain) now engaged to the feisty American, Jesse Huston (Stone).
The plot begins when Quatermain’s brother, who vanished years ago while searching for a fabled, hidden white race in a lost African city of gold, reappears in a vision. This vision convinces Quatermain and Jesse that his brother is still alive, spurring them to undertake a perilous new expedition deep into uncharted African territory.
Their search for Quatermain’s brother soon leads them on a quest for the legendary Lost City of Gold, which is hidden behind the “Mountains of the Moon.” Their journey is fraught with danger, facing off against cannibalistic tribes, dangerous river rapids, and, most prominently, the ruthless forces of the ancient Lost City itself.
The city is controlled by two opposing, immortal siblings who rule over different factions.
The mission is further complicated by the appearance of a dangerous and sophisticated European villain, Agon (Henry Silva), who is also determined to find the gold.
The adventurers eventually meet the wise, benevolent Umslopogaas (James Earl Jones), who becomes their steadfast warrior ally.
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (Photo/Cannon Films)
Reception for Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold grossed $2 million on its opening weekend, finishing seventh at the box office.
The film would gross $3.8 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold is cemented as a quintessential 1980s B-movie sequel and while it attempts to surpass the spectacle of the first film with more elaborate sets and a bigger scope, it fully leans into the campy, over-the-top adventure that Cannon Films perfected.
The addition of Jones brings a welcome dramatic weight to the fantasy elements, while Silva excels as the cold antagonist.
It remains a colorful, enthusiastically executed piece of action-adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of the pulp serials it aimed to emulate.
