Venturing deep into South America to meet her new husband, Joanna Leiningen (Eleanor Parker) does not find her new husband as eager to meet her as she thought he would be. Christopher Leiningen (Charlton Heston), married to Joanna by proxy, is suspicious of her, and all his worst fears are confirmed when it is revealed that she is a widow. Instead of the congenial marriage that Joanna had hoped for, she finds her new husband hostile and ready to send her back home.
But when fears around what lurks in the Rio Negro convinces Leiningen to travel with Joanna to return her to New Orleans, the duo are instead turned back to their cocoa plantation. Travelling through the Rio Negro, devouring all before them are a column or army ants. Leiningen and Joanna must return home to protect all they have from the ants.
The Naked Jungle (1954) was directed by Byron Haskin, also known for The War of the Worlds, Arsenic, and Old Lace. Based on a story by Carl Stephenson, this film is not so much an action story as a romance. Far less time is spent on the army ants than on the relationship between the duo and their gradual softening towards each other.
While Leiningen is not a likeable character to start with, his character does undergo a gradual transformation. It is also clear that Joanna has much to learn about plantation life and life in South America. While the plot moves slowly through the first and second acts, the third act is crammed with action and rushes to a resolution. The location is lovely, and the plantation is an enjoyably different locale setting the scene. While the setting and locations are still beautiful despite the passage of time, some practical effects, such as the matte paintings and double exposures, take you from the story at times.
Overall, The Naked Jungle (1954) is an enjoyable adventure romance. While it appears to be a story solely about destructive army ants, far more of the plot focuses on the romance between the two Leiningens and their need to adapt to each other. The setting and locations are excellent for setting the scene and are pleasant to look at. The acting from both Charlton Heston and Eleanor Parker is enjoyable.
The Naked Jungle (1954) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films!
FILM SCORE: 6.5/10
Published: 30th November 2024
Written by: Trisha Walkden
CONNECT WITH PETER WALKDEN:
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@walkdenentertainment / @walkdenpublicity
FOLLOW US ON LETTERBOXD:
@Peter_Walkden
0 Comments