King Solomon's Mines (2004)

45% of users liked it
(4,910 ratings)

This four-hour cable miniseries adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's classic adventure novel King Solomon's Mines dispenses with much of the original story in favor of a standard Indiana Jones-esque melodrama, complete with claim-jumping villains, snarling Russian soldiers, an ancient and deadly curse,… More This four-hour cable miniseries adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's classic adventure novel King Solomon's Mines dispenses with much of the original story in favor of a standard Indiana Jones-esque melodrama, complete with claim-jumping villains, snarling Russian soldiers, an ancient and deadly curse, and a damsel perpetually in distress. As played by Patrick Swayze, Haggard's hero, celebrated British safari hunter Allan Quartermain, is a born-again conservationist who returns to his former trade only to raise enough money to retain custody of his beloved son. Quatermaine accepts the assignment given him by toothsome Elizabeth Maitland (Alison Doody), to head into darkest Africa in order to rescue Elizabeth's father (John Standing), who had disappeared while searching for the fabled lost gold mines of King Solomon. This time around, the mines harbor another elusive treasure: the mysterious Stone of Power, which functions in much the same manner as the Ark of the Covenant the Indiana Jones pictures. Along for the ride are Quatermain's trusted friend Sir Henry (Ian Roberts), and loyal African guide Umbopa (Sideda Onylulo), who has traditionally been the story's most likeable and admirable character in all previous film and TV adaptations of the novel. The main villain, largely spun from whole cloth for the purposes of the miniseries, is Quatermain's greedy ex-partner Gavin Hood (Bruce McNabb). Debuting June 6, 2004, the two-part King Solomon's Mines posted some of the Hallmark channel's best-ever ratings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Steve Boyum
Genres: Action & Adventure, Television

In Theaters: Jun 6, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Sep 21, 2004
Studio: LionsGate Entertainment

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Enjoyable remake based on the TV movie of H. Rider Haggard's tale. I liked seeing an older Patrick Swayze as the hero. He was very believable as the hunter Allan Quartermain and certainly bested the performance of Richard Chamberlain. And Alison Doody is attractive as Elizabeth… More
Enjoyable remake based on the TV movie of H. Rider Haggard's tale. I liked seeing an older Patrick Swayze as the hero. He was very believable as the hunter Allan Quartermain and certainly bested the performance of Richard Chamberlain. And Alison Doody is attractive as Elizabeth Maitland, who hires Quatermain to help rescue her father. The rest of the cast were terrific and followed the plotlines very well. I am glad to see that the actors of this generation are not afraid to try on different characters and are not afraid to be seen as getting older.

Cast

            Patrick Swayze as Allan Quatermain

            Alison Doody as Elizabeth Matiland

            Gavin Hood as Bruce McNabb

            Roy Marsden as Captain Good

            Ian Roberts as Sir Henry

            Sidede Onyulo as Umbopa

            Godfrey Lekala as Khiva

            Mesia Gumede as Ventvogel

            Nick Borraine as Ivan Fleekov

            Langley Kirkwood as Sergei

            Morne Visser as Petre

            Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Twala

            Leseidi Magoathe as Gagool

            Anthony Fridjhon as British Magistrate

            Virgil Graham Hopkins as Austin

            Douglas Bristow as Bushell

            Erol Balentine as Praytor

            Anthon Blommestein as Harry Quartermain

            David Sherwood as Earl Morris

            Lyn White as Adele Morris

            Patricia Saunders as Mrs. Prickles

            Yule Masiteng as M'Leng

            Danny Keogh as Drunk

            Keketso Semoko as Momma Tuussee

            John Standing as Dr. Sam Maitland

            Bruce McNabb as Gavin Hood

            Nick Boraine as Ivan Fleekov

            Lesedi Mogoathle as Gagool

            Robert Whitehead as Bitter

            Nkhensani Mlondzo as Foutala

            Ronald France as British Magistrate

            Errol Ballantine as Praytor

            Lynne White as Adele Morris

            Lawrence Mwakanna as Kraal Tribesman

            Japan Mthembu as M'Lenge

            Michael Richard as Bartender

            Pierre Marais as Street Urchin

            Thulani Ndlovu as Native

            Sandile Gomo as Waiter

            Ike Khumalo as Young Tribesman

            Patricia Sanders as Mrs. Prickles
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