Stinkin' Incan tripe starring everybody's favorite bad actor, Chuckleton Messton.Messton is a cocky Peruvian guide who caters to people with names like Morris who have lots of money while concomitantly dissing people with names like Morgan who are considered crud in this cruddy flick. Not much happens for eons until another burro wanders into a scene to up-stage the actors... again. It's a rather bad film when the jackasses are more interesting than the characters in the story.Add this movie to your list of stuff to watch after you've run out of Sominex.... you really have to make sure you're stocked up on those sleeping pills so viewing garbage like this won't be necessary.

In the 1950s, Charlton Heston occasionally played nasty characters--such as "Dark City". But here in "Secret of the Incas" he's at his nastiest. I don't mean his most evil--just nasty! He is 100% smart-mouthed and cynical. While this technically isn't an example of film noir, Heston's character is pure noir--a guy whose moral compass clearly has cracked and who utters more great one-liners than a Raymond Chandler or Mickey Spillane film! I really loved this--and it made an okay move a heck of a lot more enjoyable. Now I am sure some of his fans won't find this dark side that much fun to watch...it all depends on the sort of characters you like.The film finds Heston living in Peru. He has been there a long time but he really wants to get out and get back to the States. But, along the way, he's looking for a big score. Soon the possibility of one drops into his lap in the form of a refugee from behind the Iron Curtain (Nicole Maurey). She is on the run and Heston decides to use her to extract money from the communist officials chasing her. His scenes with Leon Askin are priceless--as Heston used and abused the man in a style that is unforgettable. Eventually, he steals Askin's airplane and he and the girl set off for adventure. She is desperate to make it to America...or at least Mexico. But Heston is out for #1--and wants this big score first--and she'll just have to take it or leave it!In many ways, this film is like an Indiana Jones film with a completely amoral leading man and none of the paranormal mumbo-jumbo. I enjoyed it mostly because the characters (not just Heston) were very interesting. A few of the things I didn't like wereYma Sumac's horrible screeching,...I mean 'singing' (one viewer gave the movie a 10 simply because of her singing--let's just say we don't agree) and the horribly dark print from Netflix online. Also, at the end, Heston's character does NOT remain true to his character--and it loses a point because of this. Not a great movie, but Heston's character was great--and is worth seeing!

It has been a long time since I've seen this film, but I will share what I remember the most. This is a great flick of the 50's that is a bit of adventure, culture,and the beautiful scenery of Peru. Their are many familiar faces you will see:the brash character of Charlton Heston's Harry Steele can intimidate or turn off anyone, just as it can be a "turn on" to others. He has a charisma that is appealing to both sexes. The rough exterior that which many a male wishes he could portray. That rough exterior is attractive to a woman who likes to soften that rough exterior and solve the mystery in her man. The actress Nicole Maurey, with whom I am not familiar, her hair color is quite a contrast to the lush green background of Peru's mountains. Robert Young is a bit out of character compared to his familiar "Father Knows Best" super dad role. This is a role that may not have been his favorite, however, you have to give him credit for trying. Then, there is the infamous Thomas Mitchell...always a superb character actor. His character is nothing like Mr. O'Hara (Scarlett's daddy) or the forgettable Uncle Billy in "It's A Wonderful Life". And, of course, the Peruvian natives add a lot of color and humor to the movie. You can just see Steven Spielberg sitting in the theater, in his youth, watching this movie, a Harry Steele wannabe...thus, the birth of Indiana Jones! Another movie that should be on DVD.I would like to see it on TV, again. Afterall, "The Naked Jungle" made it. Why not this one?

Charlton Heston is Harry Steele, an American adventurer seeking a fabulous Inca sunburst that has been lost for centuries in mysterious Machu Picchu, a Lost City in the Andes of Peru. Thomas Mitchell is Ed Morgan, a slovenly dreamer and schemer who is also after the Inca gold. Goody-goody archaeologist Robert Young and Romanian refugee Nicole Maurey add a bit of spice to the proceedings. "Secret of the Incas" is a fine example of a 1950's adventure film, with some quite astounding location footage of Machu Picchu and Cuzco. The movies plot is pretty standard fare, but the scenery, acting , set designs are first rate. Heston steals the show, and everything else he can lay his hands on in the movie. One of the highlights is Peruvian singer Yma Sumac, who will burst your ear drums in a pantomime side-show performance of high energy and even higher kitsch. Yma Sumac makes Carmen Miranda look sedate and boring. They don't make 'em like this anymore, and if you want to unearth the origins of Indiana Jones, don't miss "Secret of the Incas".