Cult of the Cobra (1955)
Six American GI's stationed in Asia find themselves in considerable jeopardy after they witness a secret ceremony by a Hindu cult who worship snakes. Lovely and charming snake goddess Lisa Moya (well played and perfectly embodied by the beautiful and beguiling Faith Domergue), who has the ability to transform into a lethal serpent, goes to America and starts picking the guys off one by one. Director Frances D. Lyon, working from a compact and engrossing script by Jerry Davis, Cecil Maiden, and Richard Collins, relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, offers a neat evocation of the foreign land setting in the opening third, and builds a good deal of tension and spooky atmosphere. The solid acting from a capable cast helps a lot: Richard Long as the affable Paul Able, Marshall Thompson as the decent and likable Tom Markel, Kathleen Hughes as the sweet Julia Thompson, William Reynolds as nice guy Pete Norton, Jack Kelly as smooth womanizer Carl Turner, and David Janssen as the happy-go-lucky Rico Nardi. Moreover, there are a few cool little touches such as animals all being scared or freaked out by Lisa's presence and Lisa feeling conflicted by what she has to do. The actors playing the GI's display a pleasantly relaxed and natural chemistry and hence make for engaging protagonists. Russell Metty's handsome black and white cinematography boasts several funky cobra POV shots. The shuddery and spirited score by Irving Getz, William Lava, and Lou Maury hits the spine-tingling spot. A worthwhile movie. (IMDB Woodyanders)
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| David Janssen (R) |
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| Richard Long (Center) |
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| The Carlssons (Ruth and Carl Carlsson) |
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| Faith Domergue |
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| Faith Domergue - Kathleen Hughes |
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