Watch Secret of the Incas

Secret of the Incas is a classic adventure movie released in 1954, directed by Jerry Hopper and starring the legendary Charlton Heston, Robert Young, and Nicole Maurey. The movie is set in Peru, and it tells the story of a down-on-his-luck adventurer named Harry Steele (Charlton Heston) who is hired by a beautiful Antoinette (Nicole Maurey) to guide her in the search for one of the most valuable treasures of the Inca Empire: the legendary Sunburst medallion, which is said to give unlimited power and riches to whoever possess it.

The movie begins with Harry Steele performing a stunt as a human torpedo for a show in Lima, the capital of Peru. However, after the show, he is approached by Antoinette, who asks him to take her to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incas, in search of the valuable treasure of the Sunburst medallion, which is believed to be hidden there. At first, Harry is reluctant to accept the job, but when he learns that Antoinette's fiancé, another treasure hunter named Ed Morgan (played by Robert Young), is also after the medallion, he changes his mind and agrees to take Antoinette on the dangerous journey.

The three of them, Harry, Antoinette, and Ed Morgan, embark on a perilous journey through the Peruvian Andes, facing harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and bandits along the way. As they get close to their destination, they encounter a native girl named Elena (Yma Sumac), who seems to know more than she lets on about the whereabouts of the medallion. Elena joins the group, and together, they enter the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, where they hope to find the treasure.

However, once they arrive at Machu Picchu, they learn that they are not the only ones searching for the Sunburst medallion. A group of Nazi agents led by a ruthless Colonel (Thomas Mitchell) are also after the treasure, as part of their plan to fund their war efforts in Europe. Now, the race is on to find the medallion before the Nazis do and prevent them from harnessing its power to rule the world.

Secret of the Incas is a thrilling adventure movie that combines action, romance, and mystery in a classic Hollywood style. The movie captures the exotic and mystic aura of the ancient Inca civilization, with breathtaking landscapes and dazzling production design that immerse the audience in the world of the Andes. The performances by Charlton Heston, Robert Young, and Nicole Maurey are engaging and charismatic, and their chemistry adds a touch of romance to the plot. The music score by the legendary composer David Raksin is also a highlight of the film, blending traditional Peruvian sounds with Hollywood's grandiose orchestral arrangements.

What sets Secret of the Incas apart from other adventure movies of its time is how it portrays the cultural clash between the ancient Inca civilization and the modern world. The movie showcases the beauty and wisdom of the Inca culture, with its impressive architecture, art, and religion, but also highlights the exploitation and disrespect that the Inca people suffered under colonialism and modernization. Harry Steele, as an American adventurer, is both fascinated and humbled by the Inca heritage, and his journey to find the Sunburst medallion becomes a quest for understanding and redemption.

In conclusion, Secret of the Incas is a classic adventure movie that stands the test of time. Its engaging plot, captivating characters, and stunning visuals make it a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned Hollywood adventure. Charlton Heston shines as the rugged hero with a heart of gold, and the supporting cast delivers solid performances that add depth and intrigue to the story. If you haven't seen it yet, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Secret of the Incas is a 1954 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.