Cult of the Cobra (1955)

American G.I.s who trespass on a Hindu ceremony are hunted down by a beautiful woman who has the power to transform herself into a cobra.

Director:

Francis D. Lyon

Writers:

Jerry Davis (story), Jerry Davis (screenplay)

Stars:

Faith Domergue, Richard Long, Marshall Thompson

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Faith Domergue	...	Lisa Moya
Richard Long	...	Paul Able
Marshall Thompson	...	Tom Markel
Kathleen Hughes	...	Julia Thompson
William Reynolds	...	Pete Norton
Jack Kelly	...	Carl Turner
Myrna Hansen	...	Marian Sheehan
David Janssen	...	Rico Nardi
Leonard Strong	...	Daru
James Dobson	...	Cpl. Nick Hommel
Walter Coy	...	Police Inspector
Carl Carlsson	...	Cult Dancer (as The Carlssons)
Ruth Carlsson	...	Cult Dancer (as The Carlssons)
Olan Soule	...	Major Martin Fielding
Helen Wallace	...	Mrs. Webber

Storyline

While stationed in Asia, six American G.I.'s witness the secret ritual of Lamians (worshipers of women who can change into serpents). When discovered by the cult, the High Lamian Priest vows that "the Cobra Goddess will avenge herself". Once back in the United States, a mysterious woman enters into their lives and accidents begin to happen. The shadow of a cobra is seen just before each death.

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Plot Keywords:

cobra | 1940s | apartment | snake charmer | car accident | 

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Taglines:

The fangs of the Snake Goddess will PIERCE YOUR FLESH!

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Genres:

Fantasy | Horror

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 August 1955 (Finland)

Also Known As:

De verering van de cobra

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In its first run engagements, it was widely shown on the lower half of a double bill with Revenge of the Creature (1955).

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Quotes

Major Martin Fielding: Only a snake with a brain could have got into that room last night and singled out that same kid. It's almost as if... well, it's absurd, but... as if he were meant to go that way.

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Connections

References Bright Leaf (1950)

User Reviews

That Woman Is A Snake!

Francis D. Lyon directed this horror tale that begins after WWII ends, where six American G.I.s,(among them Richard Long, Marshall Thompson, and David Janssen) stationed in Asia sneak into the secret ceremonies of a cult of snake worshipers, where they see a snake turn into a woman(or so it seems) they are discovered but escape, though the cult leader curses them with their avenging snake goddess. When one of them dies shortly later from a snake bite, they dismiss it as coincidence, but when they return home, and more start dying, it's obvious that something followed them home. Could it be attractive newcomer Lisa(played by Faith Domergue)? Interesting premise mishandled in failed thriller. No attempt is made to recreate a post-war feel, and even worse, Faith Domergue is far too human to be believed as anything else, though the acting is otherwise fine.