Watch The Living Idol

The Living Idol, released in 1957, is a thrilling adventure film that takes place in the lush jungles of Central America. Directed by René Cardona and starring Steve Forrest, Liliane Montevecchi, and James Robertson Justice, the film follows the tale of archaeologist Dr. William Arnold (Forrest) and his team as they journey deep into the jungle in search of Mayan artifacts.

The film begins with Dr. Arnold's arrival in a small village in the jungle, where he is expecting to meet with a local official to arrange for his archaeological team to enter the nearby temple. However, when he arrives, he finds that the official has been replaced by a group of military men who are not interested in accommodating the expedition. Undeterred, Arnold decides to continue with the mission, and he and his team strike out into the jungle alone, hopeful that they will be able to find another way into the temple.

As they make their way deeper into the jungle, Arnold and his team encounter a number of obstacles, including treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and hostile natives. Eventually, they stumble upon a hidden entrance to the temple, where they make a shocking discovery: a massive golden idol that is said to have mysterious powers.

As they explore the temple, Arnold and his team begin to unravel the secrets of the living idol. They learn that the Mayans believed the statue had the power to heal and protect their people, and that it was guarded by a group of priests who would do anything to keep it safe. But as they delve deeper into the temple, they begin to realize that the idol may be more than just a spiritual relic: it may hold the key to unlocking incredible power.

The Living Idol is an exciting adventure film that features stunning jungle scenery, thrilling action sequences, and a talented cast of actors. Steve Forrest brings his usual charisma and charm to the role of Dr. Arnold, while Liliane Montevecchi delivers a standout performance as the film's beguiling love interest. James Robertson Justice is also memorable as the tough military commander who is often at odds with Arnold's team.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its attention to detail when it comes to the Mayan culture and customs. From the intricately designed temple to the colorful traditional dress of the local people, the film does an excellent job of creating a sense of authenticity and historical accuracy.

Another standout feature of The Living Idol is its score, which was composed by Xavier Cugat. The film's music is a lively and energetic blend of Latin rhythms and orchestral flourishes, perfectly capturing the excitement and adventure of the story.

Overall, The Living Idol is a solid adventure film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its engaging characters, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding action, it's a must-see for fans of classic adventure films.

The Living Idol is a 1958 adventure 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 5.2.