Temple of a Thousand Lights (1965)

Early adventure film, set in the jungle, from infamous Italian director Umberto Lenzi, who would of course return to the jungle sixteen years later to make some of his most notorious movies. In comparison, TEMPLE OF A THOUSAND LIGHTS is a harmless little film involving little or no horror whatsoever, instead concentrating on lots of action and fight scenes. Lenzi shows a lot of flair as a director in the action sequences which are all invariably exciting and entertaining. The fact that the film was made in Malaysia also adds to the authenticity, giving it a real look.The complex plot is intelligent for once, and far-reaching on a low budget. Numerous characters are involved, and it's fun to watch as each one succumbs to greed and treachery. The film ends up with the majority of the cast having double-crossed one another at some point! Various action highlights include the actual robbing of the temple (which beats similar scenes in the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE films for tension and thrills!), a shoot-out in a burning hut, plus the genre staples including a bar-room brawl and a death seemingly impossible for our hero to escape from.Richard Harrison - a former peplum actor who tried his hand at a number of genres around this period - is the lean and athletic hero, whose world-wise and heroic nature recalls that of David Warbeck in his '80s period as an Italian hero. Harrison's character is a master of disguise who spends a major part of the film in black face! He also dresses as a musician at another point. Harrison's cocky persona is fun to watch, even if he isn't the most likable of heroes, what with betraying his associates and friends at every turn. Scenes of Harrison fighting off jungle threats like crocodiles and snakes mean you're in for a great time. However, Harrison actually has the thunder stolen from him in the movie by Wilbert Bradley, the guy playing Simata, who is hilarious! Simata is a weird, jolly fakir who does strange things like charm ropes and play a pipe to disperse rats.The supporting cast are generally good, but rather underused. The film concentrates on action and furthering the plot rather than characterisation, which keeps it from being boring and bogged down. My only niggle is with the open racism from time to time and Harrison's treatment of Simata, but of course this may just be a sign of the times in which the film was produced. Otherwise, let yourself in for a surprisingly complex, action-packed, and fun adventure movie with one of the most audacious epilogues ever.

Here is an interesting variation of the popular heist flick genre. Richard Harrison stars as Alan Foster, a notorious bank robber from NYC hiding out in India. He get the bright idea to steal the "Mountain of Light," a large diamond encased in the forehead of a 20 foot religious Buddha (which is currently stuck on the crown of the Queen of England in real life). This is an adequate adventure that is notable for Harrison's extremely harsh words he throws at his Indian helper and the scenes where Harrison dons make up to blend it flawlessly with the Indians. Seriously, he passes by without a second glance from anyone even though he is standing out like Anna Nicole Smith at a Mensa function. The film was directed without much style by Umberto Lenzi but does feature some stunning sets and locations (it was shot in Malaysia).

I saw portions of this on TV as a child and could not forgot it. By luck I was able to see the whole movie as a video recently. It is episodic, but not badly paced for 1964. The sets are exotic (although surely not India where it is supposed to take place). Richard Harrison is pretty good for an unknown. The story is intricate and there are hardly any holes (for a cheap movie) in the plot. The best part is when the movie is woven into a genuine historic event. A fun time.

Richard Harrison stars as a master thief who attempts to steal a priceless jewel from the head of a sacred statue. Wall-to-wall action and intrigue make this film an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed this film because of its exotic locales, great costumes, and superb plot. A real treat, if you can find it.