Not sure how many years Heston had been an actor when this movie was released but his persona was commanding even then. Conrad and Ebsen were VERY young as well. Eleanor Parker was quite stunning. The plot centers around a man who began carving his empire in the jungle at 19 (in South America, 1901) and wanted a bride and children. His plantation and home were palatial. He knew nothing about women and was disappointed to learn his mail-order bride was a widow. The story becomes much more interesting when a several-mile-wide mass of army ants threatens to destroy all he has built. Hadn't seen this movie in over 40 years. Definitely makes one appreciate what's available today. Happy I found it, and will watch again in a couple more years. Entertaining!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
even though the movie is old the chemistry between the lead characters oozed sexuality without swearing or nudity. Thats a plus anyday.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Take THE KING & I, add a dash of GONE WITH THE WIND, mix with ELEPHANT WALK, and you will get THE NAKED JUNGLE. I love this film & can watch it again and again. It has all the star power, period costumes, and lavish scenery of the other three, plus even more romantic/sexual tension. But it has never reached the classic status of the other three films, probably because it doesn't take itself as seriously and feels a bit like two different movies joined in the middle. In the first half, a mail-order bride (Eleanor Parker) comes to her husband's South American plantation, where she encounters savage natives and a husband (Charlton Heston) who seems even more brutal than the headhunters. He rejects her attempt at seduction, berates her for not being a virgin, and slaps her around and tries unsuccessfully to rape her. He is on his way to put her on a boat back home when they finally consummate the marriage after he gets turned on while applying bug repellent to her shoulders. After that they have no further relationship problems, but the movie's only half over so the plantation is attacked by soldier ants who eat everything in their path. Fortunately, Heston can run around (albeit twitching and groaning) while ants crawl over him, even though everyone else who gets attacked is eaten down to a skeleton in minutes. Even though soldier ants are a legitimate danger, the second half has the feel of science fiction, while the first half is like a bodice-ripper novel. Parts are over-the-top or downright silly, but it's still lots of fun. A definite guilty pleasure.Read full review
Very nice to have this classic on DVD. Love to hate and fear those Marabunta! It would have been even better with a special featurette, commentary or remembrance of some kind. A few scenes are unintentionally funny by today's standards. I like the music score too. A good value.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The pros is, this is based on a true story and the arranged marriage is just as volatile as the Army Ants marching on the plantation. acting was very good and enjoyed story line.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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