Plot: Jesse (Sharon Stone) is an archaeology student searching for her father, but she needs a worldly guide to keep her out of trouble. So she hires famed adventurer Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain), who takes the job mainly because Jesse’s father was looking for the fabled King Solomon’s Mines. The two arrive at the last place her father was seen and realize that they’re not the only ones who came there with the mines on their minds. Colonel Bockner (Herbert Lom) is a German explorer who wants to use the treasure of the mines to fund the war effort, while his partner Dogati (John Rhys-Davies) is a slave trade interested only in getting richer. Allan and Jesse then embark on a whirlwind of dangerous encounters as they search for the mines, all the while chased by the nefarious Bockner and Dogati. Are the mines truly real and if so, who will end up claiming the riches within?

Entertainment Value: The B movie version of Indiana Jones, King Solomon’s Mines is a wild ride that defies all expectations. This movie tries to pull off a chain of big set pieces on a tight budget, a noble and insane effort. As such, this is not as polished or well funded as big studio adventure movies, but to me, that is where the film shines. The B movie qualities make King Solomon’s Mines an absolute blast to watch and add so much charm to the experience. Richard Chamberlain has the lead and does well, making the best of the material and seeming like he’s having fun. Sharon Stone is a lot of fun too, playing the bratty but beautiful girl that always gets herself into trouble. The cast has good smaller roles too, with Lom and Rhys-Davies in over the top turns, as well as hundreds of hungry cannibals. The movie gives even the smallest parts some time to shine, which makes each scene more memorable. I know people write off the movie as a cheap knockoff, but I think King Solomon’s Mines is pure B movie magic and well worth a look.

There is a romantic scene inside the cooking pot of the cannibals, but sadly no nudity to be found in this one. There’s some blood, including a booby trap impalement, but not all that much. There are some cool set pieces however, such as alligators feeding on cannibals, numerous shootings, and saving the best for last, what looks like a paper mache aquatic dragon. There are endless one liners from Quatermain of course, but many other memorable lines are found here too. The interactions between Lom and Rhys-Davies are entertaining and happen just often enough to keep the dynamic fresh. It is rather insane that this movie was ever made, but the “we will entertain you, money or not” approach of the production is even crazier. Fans of B movies and drive-in cinema shouldn’t sleep on King Solomon’s Mines.

Nudity: 0/10

Blood: 1/10

Dialogue: 5/10

Overall Insanity: 5/10