Green Hell
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
James Whale
Douglas Fairbanks
Joan Bennett
John Howard
George Sanders
Vincent Price
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Keith Brandon enlists Hal Scott, David Richardson, Dr. Loren, Tex Morgan and Forrester in an expedition to locate a lost treasure buried beneath an ancient Incan city. Led by Indian guides Gracco and Mala, the men penetrate the "green hell" of the Amazon jungle until they find the subterranean passage leading to the hidden temple. However, as Richardson emerges from the tunnel, he is wounded by poisoned arrows shot by hostile Indians, and Brandon sends Bracco and his men back to civilization for ammunition, provisions and serum for the dying Richardson. The natives return with Richardson's wife Stephanie, who learns that her husband has died. Soon after, the natives desert, and Stephanie is stranded in the jungle camp, where her presence fosters jealousy between Forrester and Brandon and dissension among the others. Brandon, who is in love with Stephanie, plans to escort her out of the jungle, but on the eve of their departure, Stephanie learns that her late husband had another wife, and consequently feels betrayed by all men. Their departure is delayed when a raging storm strikes, and while trying to save the excavation of the lost temple, the men discover a buried crypt laden with gold and a curse of death on whomever disturbs the treasure. The curse appears to be coming true when hostile savages lay seige to the camp, and after the killings of Graham and Forrester, death for the remainder of the group appears imminent. As Stephanie pledges her love for Brandon, Mala and his tribe appear to slay the attackers and save the expedition.
Director
James Whale
Cast
Douglas Fairbanks
Joan Bennett
John Howard
George Sanders
Vincent Price
Alan Hale
George Bancroft
Gene Garrick
Francis Mcdonald
Ray Mala
Peter Bronte
Lupita Tovar
Bob Fischer
Noble Johnson
Julian Rivero
Yola D'avril
Nena Quartaro
Anita Camargo
Eumenio Blanco
Tony Paton
Wilson Benge
Kay Linaker
Franco Corsaro
Crew
Bernard B. Brown
Charles Carroll
Iron Eyes Cody
Ralph M. Delacy
Harry Edington
Karl Freund
R. A. Gausman
Harry Hervey
Madame Irene
Ted Kent
Frances Marion
Joseph Mcdonough
Bernard Newman
Jack Otterson
Charles Previn
Jack Rixey
W. C. Wilkerson
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The viewed print was missing the opening credits. Production credits are from reviews. A pre-production news item in Hollywood Reporter notes that Universal wanted to borrow John Payne from Warner Bros. for this film. According to publicity materials contained in the production files at the AMPAS Library, a camera crew was sent to Southern Mexico to shoot background scenes. To provide an air of accuracy, "Iron Eyes" Cody and W. C. Wilkerson, two Indians, performed the archery tricks in the film. According to the Motion Picture Herald review, this was producer Harry Edington's first and last picture for Universal. After its completion, he went to work for RKO.
