“Legend of the Lost” (1957) starring John Wayne & Sophia Loren / Z-View

Legend of the Lost (1957)

Director:  Henry Hathaway

Screenplay: Ben Hecht, Robert Presnell

Stars: John Wayne, Sophia Loren, Rossano Brazzi and Kurt Kasznar.

Tagline: Wayne Tangles with Loren…In the Adventure that’s Hotter than 1000 Suns!

The Plot…

Paul Bonnard comes to Timbuktu looking for a guide.  Bonnard’s father left him a map to a lost city full of gold and jewels.  Bonnard hires Joe January, an experienced guide.  The day before they are to leave, Bonnard meets Dita.  She’s beautiful, but is willing to steal or use her looks to make money from men.  Bonnard and Dita talk through the night.  The next day she asks to go with Bonnard and Joe.  Both men refuse to take her. The trip is much too dangerous.

Dita finds a way to join Bonnard and Joe.  Once she is discovered they are too far into the desert to take her back.  There’s no denying the attraction between Joe and Dita.  This coupled with low rations and even less water will lead to dangers no one saw coming.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When director Henry Hathaway was asked why John Wayne’s character dresses like a cowboy, Hathaway replied John Wayne’s characters always dress like cowboys.

Legend of the Lost (1957) rates 3 of 5 stars.