King Solomon’s Mines Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hotshot adventurer and a damsel in distress stumble through Africa pursued by comically evil Germans, eventually finding a mine full of diamonds and surprisingly understanding tribal politics.

🍿 King Solomon’s Mines: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Search Begins

In 1910s South Africa, fortune hunter Allan Quatermain is hired by Jesse Huston to find her missing father. Professor Huston disappeared while searching for the legendary King Solomon’s Mines. Jesse believes her father is still alive and possesses a map leading to the mines.

Rival Expeditions

Quatermain, Jesse, and his companion Umbopo venture into unexplored territory, following the map. They are pursued by a German military expedition led by Colonel Bockner and a Turkish slave trader, Dogati. Both groups are also seeking the mines, leading to clashes and dangerous encounters.

Captured by the Kukuanas

The expeditions enter the tribal lands of the Kukuanas and are captured. The tribe is ruled by the evil priestess Gagoola, who seeks to maintain her power. Umbopo reveals his true identity as an exiled chief, challenging Gagoola’s authority and turning the tribe against her.

Inside King Solomon’s Mines

Quatermain, Jesse, and Umbopo navigate the treacherous mines, facing traps and the pursuing Germans. They discover the treasure chamber, filled with diamonds, but also trigger a series of deadly traps. Gagoola’s reign of terror comes to an end as she falls to her death in a volcanic shaft.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain): A fortune hunter hired to help a woman find her missing father in the African jungle.
• Jesse (Sharon Stone): A resourceful woman who hires Allan Quatermain to find her missing father.
• Colonel Bockner (Herbert Lom): A ruthless German colonel also seeking King Solomon’s Mines.
• Dogati (John Rhys-Davies): A treacherous Turkish slave-trader aiding Bockner in his quest.
• Umbopo (Ken Gampu): Allan Quatermain’s mysterious African companion who is the rightful ruler of the Kukuanas.
• Gagoola (June Buthelezi): The evil priestess controlling the Kukuana tribe.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Colonel Bockner: “[Fritz enters quicksand] My gramophone; save my gramophone.” – The Colonel prioritizes his gramophone over his sinking soldier, showcasing his detached and somewhat absurd nature.
• Colonel Bockner: “Stop sinking. That’s an order!” – The Colonel demands his soldier to stop sinking in quicksand.
• Dogati: “I’m happy. No more Wagner.” – Dogati’s reaction to the gramophone being destroyed highlights the humour in his character.
• Jesse: “Vroom!” – Jesse, having never flown a plane, summarizes her experience with this sound.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,057,465
• Worldwide Gross: $15,057,465

💥 King Solomon’s Mines Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘King Solomon’s Mines’ isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but I have a soft spot for it. As a kid, I loved the cheesy action and the ridiculous plot twists. Richard Chamberlain’s swashbuckling charm is undeniable, and Sharon Stone, even in her early days, adds a spark. The scene with the cannibal pot is so absurd it’s hilarious! I find it a fun, guilty-pleasure movie that doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s pure, unadulterated 80s camp.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of campy 80s adventure films”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted entertainment”
  • “Those interested in ‘Indiana Jones’ inspired movies with a comedic twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Cartoonish violence”
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Some scenes may perpetuate outdated cultural stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a game performance from Richard Chamberlain, King Solomon’s Mines fails to capture the spirit of the source material and instead offers a cheap imitation of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The special effects are subpar, and the script is riddled with clichés.
• Variety: “A disappointing rehash of familiar adventure tropes, King Solomon’s Mines suffers from a lack of originality and inspiration. While the African locations provide some visual appeal, the story and characters are paper-thin, making for a forgettable viewing experience.
• AllMovie: “King Solomon’s Mines is entertaining if you’re looking for campy adventure. Richard Chamberlain is likable, and Sharon Stone makes an early appearance. The movie leans heavily into its comedic aspects, and the action sequences are over-the-top. Just don’t expect high art!

Audience Reactions

The movie is so bad it’s good, providing unintentional laughs and over-the-top moments.: Many viewers appreciate the film as a campy parody of adventure movies, embracing its flaws and enjoying its lighthearted tone.

Richard Chamberlain’s performance and Sharon Stone’s early role are memorable highlights.: Some viewers enjoy the lead actors despite the film’s shortcomings, finding their performances charming and entertaining.

Overall Consensus: King Solomon’s Mines is largely considered a campy and flawed adventure movie, appreciated by some for its unintentional humor and nostalgic value, but criticized for its lack of originality and poor execution.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Producer Menahem Golan originally wanted Kathleen Turner for the role of Jesse, fresh off her success in ‘Romancing the Stone’. Sharon Stone was hired instead, reportedly by mistake.”
• “The film was shot on location in Zimbabwe, adding authenticity to the African landscapes.”
• “King Solomon’s Mines was filmed concurrently with its sequel, Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold.”

🖥️ How to Watch King Solomon’s Mines?

Currently, “King Solomon’s Mines” (1985) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed King Solomon’s Mines, you might like these similar films:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): A direct comparison, sharing the adventure, treasure-hunting, and exotic locales.
• Romancing the Stone (1984): Features a similar blend of action, adventure, and romance in a jungle setting.
• The Mummy (1999): Modern adventure film with similar treasure-hunting and supernatural elements.
• Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1987): A direct sequel.

🛒 King Solomon’s Mines Related Products

• King Solomon’s Mines (Blu-ray): Relive the adventure in high definition. This Blu-ray edition provides enhanced picture and sound quality, perfect for collectors and fans of classic adventure films.
• King Solomon’s Mines (Paperback): H. Rider Haggard’s classic novel. Dive deeper into the original story. A thrilling tale of adventure, treasure, and courage in the heart of Africa, much different from the spoof movies.
• Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures (Blu-ray): Experience the original adventure that inspired ‘King Solomon’s Mines’. The complete Indiana Jones collection is a must-have for fans of the genre.
• Safari Outfit Costume: Dress up as Allan Quatermain for Halloween or cosplay. This costume will make you the perfect fortune hunter.

🎧 Soundtrack

King Solomon’s Mines features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title – King Solomon’s Mines” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “The Mine” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “Ride of the Valkyries” – performed by Richard Wagner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The UnXplained: King Solomon’s LOST Treasures of Gold & Copper (Season 6)

Ever wondered what inspired the King Solomon’s Mines story? This clip dives into the real legends and lost treasures! It’s pretty wild to think the movie is based on actual historical mysteries.

✨ Rate