Why a 1980s adventure sequel turned its villain into a literal golden statue
In short: Released in 1987, this Cannon Films production attempted to capture the spirit of Indiana Jones but landed in infamy instead. Despite a star-studded cast and an opulent set near Victoria Falls, the movie became a commercial failure, effectively killing the studio's plans for a planned trilogy of Allan Quatermain adventures.
Directed by Gary Nelson, the film serves as a loose adaptation of H. Rider Haggard’s 1887 novel. The plot follows Allan Quatermain, played by Richard Chamberlain, as he ventures into the African wilderness to rescue his brother, Robeson. Alongside Jesse Huston, portrayed by Sharon Stone, and a band of allies, they discover a hidden city ruled by two rival queens and a malevolent high priest named Agon.
The production was plagued by financial constraints, forcing the studio to reuse music scores from other films to supplement Michael Linn’s original compositions. Critics were largely unimpressed, citing stale dialogue and poorly staged action sequences. While the film attempted to lean into comedy and satire, reviewers often compared it unfavorably to the high-budget spectacle of the Indiana Jones franchise. The final act, which features Quatermain melting gold to encase his enemies in metal, remains a defining moment of the film's campy reputation.
Beyond its technical shortcomings, the project faced significant backlash for its portrayal of racial themes. Scholars have criticized the film for perpetuating outdated attitudes found in the original source material, arguing that labeling the film as a satire does not excuse its problematic content. Following its poor box office performance—earning only $2 million in its opening week—the studio shelved further sequels. Although a final installment was proposed decades later by Menahem Golan, the project never materialized, leaving this second entry as the final chapter of the series.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold
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