Debra Paget tries to hypnotize a cobra in JOURNEY TO THE LOST CITY (1960)
Directed by Fritz Lang. This is actually a condensed version of two films, TIGER OF BENGAL (1959) and THE INDIAN TOMB (1959), edited down to JOURNEY TO THE LOST CITY by American International Pictures. There were many such German-produced films, that always started in modern times with the main characters ending up in some exotic setting. It was sold by AIP as Sinbad-like adventure. The film is gorgeous but it was shot in standard 4:3 aspect Ratio, not in widescreen, which gives the film an unfortunately dated feel. Paget made several PEPLUM films, including THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956) and CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER (see post below). This dance is eye popping because she's nearly nude.
Debra's dance is indeed very erotic, especially considering that the movie dates (1959) from the late Eisenhower era.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I assume it must have complied with the Code (albeit just barely), or else the movie's release would have been limited largely to Times Square (New York City) "grind houses."
The cobra is the worst part. It doesn't look real at all.
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