White Cannibal Queen (1980) - full transcript

[groovy tribal music ♪]

♪

Mommy, I'm kinda scared.

What are you frightened of,
darling?

I don't know, but I don't like
going to sleep alone, Mommy.

But we're both here.

Now, then, my little princess...

You go straight off to sleep
like a good little girl.

Tomorrow's gonna be
a very busy day, you know.

Can I come with you, Daddy?

If you want to, sweetheart.



Of course, darling.

Daddy, will you play
the music box for me?

Of course.

[music box playing ♪]

And give me
a big goodnight kiss?

Good night, baby.

[laughs]

Sweet dreams.

Good night, darling...

and sleep well.

♪

[light music ♪]

[boat engine humming]

Aye.



How long will it be before
we reach our destination?

Well, I think we better
spend the night here.

But that way we'll be
losing precious time.

Well, I heard some strange cries
a while back,
coming from the banks.

Probably only birds.

- Still, uh...
- Still what?

It happened once before
like that.

It was some times ago...

Heard the same strange cries.

Then the next day, we found
a scientific expedition

that had been attacked and eaten
by a tribe of cannibals.

Cannibals?

Perhaps they were wild beasts.

Oh, no.

[strange roar]

[foreboding music ♪]

♪

What's the matter with you?

Well...

I think it was a big mistake
bringing you two with me.

But why?

Elizabeth, this country
is completely wild, unknown.

It could all be
extremely dangerous.

Dangerous or not,
we want to be with you.

It doesn't matter where
or what the conditions are like.

After all,
we've always been together.

I don't really understand why...

- Feeling cold?
- No, not really, thanks.

I'll go down below and bring up
some hot coffee.

[tense music ♪]

[groan]

[gasps]

[screams]

[screaming]

[screaming]

[screaming]
Leave me alone!

[screaming]

[screaming continues]

[moaning]

[cannibals grunting]

[moaning]

[hissing]

[tribal chanting]

[cannibals hissing, grunting]

[hissing, slurping]

[grunting]

[growling]

Mommy?

Daddy?

[groovy tribal music ♪]

[overlapping shouts]

♪

[speaking tribal language]

White Goddess!

[speaking tribal language]

[music continues ♪]

[cries out]

[overlapping shouts]

[shouts, growls]

♪

[shouting in tribal language]

White Goddess!

[speaking tribal language]

White Goddess!

[speaking tribal language]

[tribal chanting]

[groaning]

♪

[music ends ♪]

[birds calling]

Hey, hold it.
There's someone down there.

He's still alive.
Let's take him away.

Careful.
Eh.

[grunting]

[telephone ringing]

[receiver picks up]

[woman]
Hello?

[man]
Good morning, Miss Shelton.

My name's Dr. Burns
of the St. Jack's hospital.

Do you know Professor Taylor?

Jeremy Taylor?

That's the one.

It seems a wild animal
attacked him in Malavi,

neatly severing
his left forearm.

Taylor's still in shock.

It must have been
a dreadful business.

In his delirium
he kept repeating

that a boat was attacked by
cannibals who ate his wife.

The Shelton Foundation
organized the expedition.

Would you like me to write
a full report?

No.
No, that won't be necessary.

[weakly]
It was...

horrible.
[groaning]

They were...

Elizabeth...

Monstrous...

They were...

eating...

e-e-eating her...

alive.

[exhales]

[murmuring]
Go-go away...

you foul creatures...

Go away from me...

Let her be...

My God...

they're tearing her
to pieces.

No, I can't... bear it.

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth!
Vile beasts.

I was down below...

and suddenly I heard
Elizabeth screaming loudly.

Immediately I went on deck,

and I saw her.

[growls]
They were eating her...

alive.

[growls]
My God, no.

Come quickly, Miss Ana.

Professor Taylor's
having another attack.

[crying softly]

Don't you feel well, Jerry?

What is it, Jerry?

[crying]

Now, calm down.
Yes, I know.

It's the same horrible nightmare
that obsesses you.

Just what did happen?

Try to remember, Jerry.

Try to remember.

Tell me.

You see, we were...

- We were on the boat...
- And?

Then what happened?

Then they were there.

Who were they?

Do try and remember.
Make a effort.

Tell the whole story, slowly,
from the beginning.

Jerry, do try.

You know you can.

Tell me.

Please.

Tell me.

Come, go on.

Is Professor Taylor here?

Yes.
Through there, ma'am.
- Thank you.

Please don't cry, Jerry,
you'll make yourself ill.

You'll only resolve this drama
by being calm

and taking things slowly,
one by one.

Are you Professor Taylor?

My name's Barbara Shelton.

I'm the president
of the Shelton Foundation.

We organized your expedition
to Malavi.

But I can see
you're much better.

As one can see.

That way he can tell us all
about his exciting story

of survival amongst the savages.
[laughs]

What exciting lives you
scientists lead, to be sure.

I couldn't do it,
and that's a fact.

[laughing]

Jeremy!

Aw.

Jeremy, don't take
any notice of them.

They've no idea
what you've been through.

[light guitar music ♪]

Jeremy?

Are you ready?

The doctor's allowed me
to take you for a little walk,

if you'd like.

The streets have been
illuminated and decorated
for Christmas.

So let's take a look.

♪

[music box music ♪]

Lana!

Jerry, what's the matter?

Lana, stop!

Don't run away!
Lana!

Now I remember everything.

My name's Jeremy Taylor.

I'm a specialist
in tropical diseases.

I'm married, with a daughter,
Lana.

And I was born in Columbus,
Ohio, in 1940.

I was sent by the
Shelton Foundation to Malavi...

where my daughter
disappeared.

Elizabeth...

[jazz music ♪]

But of course, darling.

You know how I enjoy
doing these things.

[both laugh]

[Jeremy]
I'm sorry to disturb you...

but I must talk to you.

Oh, it's our professor.

Come on in and sit down.

What I have to say to you
is very important.

Well, we're listening.

But of course.

Tell us all about it, Professor.
We're all ears.

Ah, Charles is one of
the family, in fact my lover.

An absolutely adorable man.

I wanted to talk privately
with you.

You can speak
quite privately here.

I see.

I need your help.

You can always count on me,
you know.

On my help, that is.
You understand.

That's really very kind of you.

I remember what happened.

It was up river, about 20 miles
from out destination.

We spent the night aboard.

The captain was uneasy
about traveling at night.

My wife, Elizabeth,
and my daughter

insisted on coming on the trip
with me.

I didn't want them to come...

but they forced the issue,
so I made the best...

I made the best
of the situation.

But that night,
without any warning,

the Malavi made a sudden attack.

They're one of the savage tribes
in that area.

My wife fell victim to their...
cannibalism.

[laughs]

They said you were cured,
but, uh...

judging by what
you've just said,

I'd say you're far from well.

But I'm telling you the truth.
Believe me.

Well, tell me
how we can help you,

but don't tell us fairy tales.

It's not a fairy tale.

I want to set up an expedition
to go back to Malavi

and find my daughter.

Maybe she's still alive.

I can't afford it myself,

that's why I'm asking you
to finance it.

Go back yo your clinic.

I'm telling you the truth.

You're mad.

Get out.

And stop bothering us
with your tall stories.

♪

[jungle birds calling]

[low tribal rhythm]

[tribal chanting]

[speaking tribal language]

Bring... White Goddess
here to me.

[speaking tribal language]

Oh, great Goddess,
listen to our plea.

Please listen to our words.

Oh, great Goddess!

Great Goddess!

Please!

Listen to the plea
of the Gaevis, great Goddess!

[speaking tribal language]

I am dying, White Goddess.

I am dying, you know.

And promise me
that you won't abandon us.

My son-my son will be
your husband.

And you will be... his guide.

My people need protection
from you, White Goddess.

My son.

My son...

will marry you,

and you will guide him
and the tribe

through the difficulty of life,

oh, White Goddess.

Save our people.

Save him...
[groans]

♪

[birds squawking]

[light Latin music playing ♪]

I'm looking for a Portuguese
businessman called Martin.

Ah, down there.
The one eating.

Are you Mr. Martin?

That's me.

May we sit with you?

It's a public place.

Thank you.

I'm told that you know
the Malavi region very well.

Better than the palm
of your own hand.

No.

Leave the palms of my hands
out of it.

It's be impossible
to know that area in depth.

Oh, hi.

- Who would know it?
- Only the Gaevis know it well.

That's just
who we're looking for.

The Gaevis.

Well, in that case,

you people better look for
somebody else around here.

But I was told
that you trade with them.

So, what about it?

Even the Americans
deal with the Russians

without people making
a big thing out of it.

And anyway, I always
use intermediaries.

I must go into that region
and I need a guide,

supplies and a couple
of hundred men to help me out.

If you're really loaded...

If you're loaded
with a lot of cash

you'll find two or three
desperate men

ready to go with you
and run any races.

Unfortunately, I don't
have the money.

His daughter was kidnapped
by the Gaevis.

When was that?

Many years ago.

You'd better forget about it.

Anyway... you should know
all about them.

How dare you talk to me
like that.

You're just
a filthy opportunist,

a parasite,

earning a living trading
with people who devour
women and children.

You disgust me!

Let's get out of here.

Well, friend,

what you say may be true,

but I care about my hide.

It may not be right,

but it's all I know
and I try to do it well.

Trading with these people

keeps body and soul together.

I get the picture.

None of you are willing
to go with me, huh?

You're a bunch
of filthy cowards.

Who?
Me too?

You, Fenton?

What the hell
are you doing here?

Oh, I was just passing
through these parts,

so I said to myself,

"Why not have a drink
with dear Doctor Taylor?"

- Don't play the fool with me.
- Oh, I'm sorry.

The fact is, I just made an
endless trip trying to find you,

that's all.

But you didn't believe me
when I told you my story.

I realize that my sense of humor
sometimes seems
a little incomprehensible,

but deep down
I really mean well.

The story you told us
effected me most deeply.

So Barbara and I have decided
to help you.

We've got all the equipment
you could possibly require

to carry out this expedition.

Well, as they say...

life is full of nice little
surprises, isn't it?

Oh, well, the coin always
has two faces, doesn't it?

And even I can make a mistake.

- Are you being serious?
- But of course.

You come down to the harbor
in Mesquite some time tomorrow.

All right?

We'll be waiting on the yacht,
Regina.

I wanted to call it
the Queen Mary,

but someone already thought that
before me.

So, 'til tomorrow, then.
All right?

[slow Latin guitar music ♪]

And here comes our hero.

[both laugh]

You really must excuse me
for the other evening.

I was drunk.
Smashed out of my mind.

Come on, I'll introduce you
to the others.

Friends, may I present
Dr. Jeremy Taylor?

He'll be the chief
of our expedition.

[laughs]

And now let me present
the other members.

A gang of bravas
eager for adventure.

Ha ha!
Are you happy?

It's incredible.

Remember, this is going to be
no tea party.

Remember that.

Ah, we've got a guide, you know.

One who knows the Malavi area
very well.

I've been there before.

So you know the Gaevis tribe,
then?

I know they're dangerous.

Well, I'll go to any lengths
to find them.

I warn you, it will be risky

to take all these people
along with us.

I know.

They wanted to come.

[chuckles]

Well, I'm only concerned
about money

and I want to be paid
in advance.

You're absolutely sure
you want to come along, then?

Oh, I know it'll be
a tough trip, Professor.

But we'll follow you
wherever you go.

I was very, very unjust
with you.

Barbara's felt very bad
about it.

She wants to make up.

And besides, we're all mad
to go on a cannibal hunt.

[all laugh]

You give the orders
and we'll execute them.

[all chuckle]

[light music ♪]

Jerry...

Oh, it's you.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Ana.

I... I...

Jerry, I know you don't love me.

♪

[boat engine humming]

[funky music ♪]

♪

[tribal chanting]

[speaking tribal language]

I salute you,

oh first White Goddess.

I, who shall be husband

to your holy daughter,

who is yourself reincarnate.

With the respect
demanded of the gods...

I promise to possess her,

solemnly respecting
her god head.

Oh, please accept me,

holy Goddess.

[speaking tribal language]

[drums beating]

[shouting in tribal language]

Our enemies, the white men,

are coming back
to our territory!

Death to the white invaders!

[all shout]

[shouting in tribal language]

[all shout]

To the death!

The Gaevis won't be taken
by surprise this time!

I promise that the invaders
will be exterminated!

[all shout]

[Charles]
Ah, it's good to get out
of that Jeep.

Mm, very nice around here,
isn't it?

Barbara, now you
stay close to me.

Ooh, it's going to be
so exciting.

I can just tell.
Wonderful.

Now come along, everybody!
Let's make a group.

Come on.
No hanging about.

For heaven's sakes, we haven't
got all the time in the world,
you know.

Come on, then.
Come on.

That's right.
Let's make a group, yes.

Now the, Taylor.

Now, what would you suggest
is the best way?

Now, where do we go first?

We'll continue on foot
this way.

Right, everybody.
Come along, now.

- Now, after you.
- Let's go.

You're leading us.
Let's follow you, yes?

I think it's better
to follow the river.

Yeah, sure,
that's the easiest way.

You know, these past few years,
the Gaevis have retired
further into the jungle.

Really?

I guess they would, as they have
more sense of security.

Right?

Well, I think there's a reason
why they did it.

Ooh, it's really beautiful here.
Let's film it.

Yes.
Why not?

And with some clever editing,
we might get a tiger in, too.

[laughs]
Just a minute, darling.

[both laugh]

Do you smell something strange?

It's probably a carcass
going rotten.

Just a minute
while I fix the focus.

Good.

Now, just a little back.
A little back.

[cries out]

[wailing]

Oh, God!

[overlapping dialogue]

Taylor!

[crying continues]

Oh, God, I wanna
get out of here!

Calm down, Barbara.
Don't cry, now.

Come on, Barbara.

You mustn't cry like that.

[ominous music ♪]

I'm so frightened.
Let's get outta here.

You're right.
Let's get back to the truck.

- Where are you going?
- Back to the truck!

Be safer there!

♪

[strange roar]

[screams]

Oh, my God.

What's going on?

We'd better stay together.
It's safer.

Much safer.
Come on, now, Barbara.

[distant screams continue]

Earnest!

- Where are you?!
- Maria!

Maria!

Maria!
Can you hear us?!

Earnest, where are you?!

Earnest?!

Answer us!

Earnest?!

Earnest, can you hear me?!

Maria!

Earnest, answer!

You guys go that way, there.
Okay?

Okay.
Follow me quietly.

I'll have a look around here.

[bird calling]

Now, do be careful, Barbara.

This swamp is full
of unexpected deep holes.

Careful now.
Yes, that's right.

[screaming]

[whining]

Never mind, dear.
Don't be so excited.

Come on, now.
There we go.

All right?

God.

Come along, Barbara.
Now, take it easy.

- Slowly.
- Okay.

[laughing]

Johnny, stop laughing.

You're giving in to your nerves.

[ominous music ♪]

♪

Keep your eyes skinned,
all of you.

The Gaevis are bound
to be watching us.

Oh, my feet are killing me.

Oh, Barbara, dear, do try.
A little effort.

Now, come on.
Get up.

Come on, we can't stop here,
after all.

Come on.
We'll soon be there.

I just can't go on!

- Yes, we'll all help you.
- Oh.

[grunts]

- Hey, Fenton's missing.
- Huh?

Come over here.
I'm gonna look for the fool.

- Otherwise he'll get lost.
- Okay.

Come on.

Fenton!

Fenton!

Fenton!

Can you hear me?!

[gasping]

My... heart!

[groans]
Help!

Someone!

[groans]

[crying out]

Oh, help.
Help!

Fenton?

Fenton, where are ya?!

[Fenton groaning]

[cries out]

Fenton!

Fenton!

Where are ya?!

Oh!

[ominous music ♪]

[groaning]

My God, I just can't go on
any more.

You must forgive me,
Professor Taylor,

but I never did believe your
story about the cannibals.

We thought we'd-we'd come along
and have some fun,

and now it's too late.

It's not far now.
We're almost there.

I simply haven't the strength.

I'm sorry, but I can't go on.

I- I must have
just a little rest.

Just-just for a little while.
Please.

- Please.
- Don't worry. Careful.

Just a rest.

Five minutes.
Five minutes.

That's all I ask.

[groaning]

[tribal rhythm]

[panting]

I must rest.

I can't go on.

You'll be fine.
Don't worry.

I beg you.
Please.

- Please.
- Careful.

[moaning]

Oh, yes.

Oh, better.
Oh.

Thanks, Professor.

Well, let's hope
that our sacrifice

will help you find your girl.

[grunt]

A poisoned arrow!
[screams]

[gunshot]

[women whimpering]

[tribal rhythm]

[grunts]

[cries out]

[screaming]

Let's get outta here!

Come on!

[moaning]

No!
No!

No!
Help me!

[screaming]
Help me, someone!

[screams]

[screams]

[cannibals growling]

[tribal chanting]

[hissing]

[growling]

[grunting]

Come on!

Let's try to get back
to the truck.

[whimpering]

Come on.
Give me your hand.

[crying]

[screams]

[Jeremy]
Johnny! Ana!

Wait for me!

There's a spot where the river
is shallow!

Wait until I join ya!

Wait there!

Wait for me!

Hey!

Hey!

Jerry.

Come on. Keep close.

[drums beating]

[cannibal shouting]

[Jeremy]
Get down!

[gunshot]

[cannibals shouting]

[gunshots]

[shouting in tribal language]

[tribal rhythm]

[crying out]

[Ana]
No, I don't want to.
Let me be!

Jerry, help me!

[tribal leader]
You white murderers,

you are all in my hands,

and we will revenge ourselves
on you

for all that you've done to us.

You will die!
You will die!

Slow and painful
will be your death!

You will be tortured!
You will cry!

You will bleed!
Painful death!

[screaming]

[screaming continues]

[cannibals growling]

[screaming]

[hissing]

[shouting in tribal language]

[Lana speaks tribal language]

[speaking tribal language]

Lana.

♪

[chant ends]

Will you untie me?

I've waited a long time
for this moment.

But untie him first.

Go on.

Thanks a lot.

Hey.

Do you understand me?

You're my daughter.

You're not one of them.

I'm going to take you away
with me.

They kidnapped you
many years ago.

Try to remember.
It happened on a boat.

You were only a child.
Remember?

Go away now!

But...

[grunts]

Go away now!

[sentimental music ♪]

I don't know what to do.

- You must convince her.
- Didn't you hear her?

She remembers but she
doesn't want to come.

You've gotta force her.

You do realize the mess
we're in, don't you?

We gotta set up
a proper expedition.

- You saw her with your own eyes.
- Don't be stupid!

She's close at hand.

The Gaevis are asleep now.

Take advantage
of the opportunity.

Let me be a while.

I gotta think it out for myself.

[tense rhythm]

Look out.
They sleep lightly.

[whispering]
Wait for me here.

[muffled screams]

Shh, be quiet.

Quiet.

[whispering]
Quickly.

Come on.

♪

Lana, stop right there.

Calm down and listen
You're going with me.

You're neither a priestess,
nor a goddess.

You get me?

Your simply my daughter, Lana...

who was kidnapped
by the Gaevis
a long time ago.

For God's sakes,
let's get outta here.

[grunting]

[shouting in tribal language]

[all shouting]

[intense music ♪]

[distant shouting]

[speaking tribal language]

It's a law of the Gaevis,

if a man wants the woman
belonging to another

he can only win her
if he defeats him in combat.

Jeremy, you can't do it.
I'll fight for you.

I...

I will kill you.

[speaks tribal language]

[screams]

[grunting]

You're a dead man!

[coughing]

[groaning]

[crying out]

I have won.

Come, Goddess.

- Believe me, I'm not going.
- Very well!

You, too, will die!

I will kill you, white man.

[tense music ♪]

For the girl, I will kill you!

[grunting]

[crying out]

[speaking tribal language]

[growling]

[whimpering]

[screams]

For your death, white man.

[grunting]

[screams]

Let him be!
Don't hurt him, please!

[growling]

Leave him alone!
Don't hurt him!

Stop it, I'll come with you!
Leave him alone!

Stop now!

[gasps]

[coughing]

You are free to go.

[groans]

Farewell, great Goddess.

Farewell.

[light music ♪]

♪