To many, this film will seem pretty silly and insignificant. I admit it. But, for what it was, it was one of the best. This film was meant to be a silly escapist film--not a "big" movie but a B-movie meant to entertain the kids and adults alike. And, it was a major step up from the average B-western (which, after seeing a few, looked the same). And the audiences loved these silly, yet magical films. This happens to be one of my favorites. Before I even saw it, I saw a publicity photo of the very sultry Maria Montez as the Cobra Woman--dressed in a turban, evening gown and lounging across a giant cobra statue. Considering I was about 13 or so, I think I fell in love! I HAD to see this hot lady in the film! Well, when I finally located a video of it years later, I finally had my chance (though by then, I had found my own "Cobra Woman" and didn't have quite the same pressing need as when I was a teen). It was silly but intensely exciting--with lots of action, campiness and Jon Hall as the only man virile enough to tame this "she-beast"! I loved it and wanted to see it again--it was magical and just plain fun! See it and enjoy unless you are a super-sophisticated person. I love foreign films and art films but sometimes I just gotta have some mindless B-movie fun!

Paramount had Dorothy Lamour; MGM had Hedy Lamarr, and universal had Maria Montez. She had been around for a few years when she made what is considered one of the biggest camp- fests in Hollywood history. You can keep your Jane Hudson and your Neely O'Hara's. Montez is two characters here, and it's a battle of good versus evil as they fight over the throne of a mystical kingdom where cobra rules, and the jewel is all powerful.

In Technicolor, Montez is unforgettable. She's of course more fun to watch being evil, and as the youngest of twins, she is determined to hang onto her power no matter what. But after being separated from her older sister, she is determined not to be dethroned, even dealing with her grandmother Mary Nash who knows the truth.

Once again, Montez has Sabu and Jon Hall as co-stars, protecting the kindly older sister, while Lon Chaney Jr. is branded to protect evil. Who can forget the scene of the evil Montez dancing around, dramatically pointing out victims for the sacrifice towards King Cobra, and the scene where the heavily accented Montez screeching, "Gif me da cobra jewel!" Montez goes beyond the visual of "She who must be obeyed" to create one of the most fascinating characters ever.

Technicolor adventure fantasy about the powerful queen of a cobra-worshipping cult at a far island located in the Pacific Ocean . Upon discovering his girlfiend, the adventurer Ramu : John Hall, learns that Tollea, Maria Montez, has been abducted. Then starring accompanied by his faithful friend Kado, Sabu, set out for the South Seas, at a strange island inhabited by natives who believe that a volcano can only be appeased with human sacrifices while worshiping the Cobra god .The weird sland is ruled over by Naja : Maria Montez herself, Tollea's sister twin, who governs the place tyranically, besides taking prisoner to Ramu. As evil Naja temptress of terror, desires to eliminate any contender, as she wants the throne for herself.

Entertaining and fun adventure fantasy in Oriental style featuring the stars of Arabian Nights, in which inhabitants are frequently sacrificed in a bloody cult worshipping a Cobra God . It contains exotic scenaries, emotion, romance and impressive adventures. Features three usual protagonists of Oriental adventures : John Hall, Maria Montez and Sabu. Being well accompanied by a fine support cast as Mary Nash who is the actual but powerless Queen, Edgar Barrier as the nasty prime minister, Moroni Olsen and the usual actor of the Universal terror movies, Lon Chaney Jr, as a deaf-mute hunk. This theme about natives worshipping to an angry volcano god that requires human sacrifices has already been used in other films as Bird of Paradise 1951 by Delmer Daves with Debra Paget, Jeff Chandler, Louis Jourdan and an early version Bird of paradise by King Vidor with Joel McCrea, Dolores Del Rio.

It pack colorful and brilliant cinematography in Technicolor by Howard Greene and George Robinson. The motion picture was professsionally directed by Robert Siodmak who had a long career .Robert was a good director who made a lot of films in all kinds of genres as Quick, Son of Dracula, Chistmas holydays, The strange affair of uncle Harry, The file of Thelma Jordan, The great sinner, The crimson pirate, The devil strikes at night, Custer of the west . Outstanding in Noir Film as Phantom lady, Criss cross, The suspect, The dark mirror, The killers, Cry of the city, among others. Rating 6/10. Acceptable and passable oriental adventure movie.