Legend of the Hidden City

I saw the filmed version of this short-lived TV series from South Africa, released as THE LOST CITY. From what I can make out, it's a compilation of the first two or three episodes of this show, although they're put together seamlessly, much better than those cut-and-paste PLANET OF THE APES "films" from the early '80s for example.

Unfortunately, the editing is about the only good thing in this otherwise bargain basement children's show. Now, I know we have to view children's entertainment in a different bracket to adult viewing - after all, kids are notoriously easily pleased - but even so this is cheap-looking and rather silly stuff. It involves a group of youths who manage to walk their way out of a helicopter crash, only to discover that they're lost in the harsh African wilderness with little chance of survival.

Before long they reach the titular lost city, and embark on a series of escapades as they make both friends and enemies inside the city. This is tatty-looking stuff indeed, with pantomime acting and costumes that look like they've been made by your local amateur dramatic group. On the plus side, the pacing is pretty good and there's a nice multi-ethnic aspect to the cast, but that's about it.