Directed by Lewis Teague, The Jewel of the Nile (1985) sprung off the success of Romancing the Stone. The sequel story takes place six months after the first, with the happy couple attempting to rescue a "jewel" from an evil dictator in Africa… but the prize is not what it seems. Entertaining and adventurous, the action runs nonstop. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner maintain their good chemistry. Danny DeVito reprises his role as well.
Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: The Jewel of the Nile
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Romancing the Stone (1984) inevitably drew some unfair critical comparisons to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the film stands on it's own and ranks amongst the best films of 1984. The story concerns a romance novelist, who travels to Colombia to deliver a treasure map to the abductors of her sister… along the way, she meets an adventurer who convinces her that they should go after the treasure on their own. Full of action and genuine comedic moments, the film is enjoyable throughout. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner have good chemistry in the lead roles. Danny DeVito costars.
Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Danny DeVito: Romancing the Stone
: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Danny DeVito: Romancing the Stone
Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner: Romancing the Stone
Produced for the Smithsonian Channel, Secrets: The Sphinx (2013) provides an intriguing 45-minute look at the primary mysteries surrounding the Ancient Egyptian Sphinx in Giza: When was it created? and whom does the carved face atop the lion's body represent? Because it is carved directly from the bedrock, rather than assembled by blocks, it is difficult for archaeologists to accurately date the Sphinx based on construction. Surrounding structures and geographical features help fill in the gaps and shed some light on the mystery. The first theory presented is controversial, relating to the disproportionate body to head ratio of the Sphinx, and surmises the the carved human head was actually adapted and re-carved later on from a much older statue representing a lion that predated the Pyramids. Further theories, much more traditional in scope, focus on the positioning of the Sphinx in the foreground of the Pyramids. Cases are made for the Sphinx being created by the "Pyramid Pharaohs" Khufu, and alternately by his son, Khafre. Zahi Hawass, the famous Egyptologist, provides brief insight. However, the best and most brilliant contributions to the episode are provided by Melinda Hartwig, Associate Professor at Georgia State University. Delightful and photogenic, Dr. Hartwig's eloquent delivery and energy is truly engaging. In the end, the enduring mystery of the Sphinx still remains, but an enjoyable and informative presentation has been made.
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig Photo: S. Smith: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig with the Great Pyramid and Sphinx: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza as a Lion?: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Zahi Hawass: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Dr. Melinda Hartwig Photo: M. Knorr: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx
