IMDb 5.2 1981 HD

Sphinx

Sphinx

1981
Adventure Mystery Thriller
118 min PG USA
5.5 / 10
5.2 IMDB

Egyptologist Erica Baron finds more than she bargained for during her long-planned trip to The Land of the Pharoahs - murder, theft, betrayal, love, and a mummy's curse!

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Franklin J. Schaffner
Starring
Lesley-Anne Down / Frank Langella / Maurice Ronet / John Gielgud / Vic Tablian / Martin Benson / John Rhys-Davies / Nadim Sawalha

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

intriguing convoluted atmospheric dated suspenseful predictable exotic disappointing classic uneven engaging mysterious

Reviews

P
Prudence Hayes
May 23, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

‘Sphinx’ attempts a heady brew of archaeological thriller and supernatural mystery, but the ingredients don't quite meld into a satisfying whole. Lesley-Anne Down is game as the protagonist, but the convoluted plot, involving murder and theft amidst Egyptian…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

For viewers who appreciate a more traditional mystery steeped in the allure of ancient Egypt, ‘Sphinx’ might prove a worthwhile watch. Lesley-Anne Down embodies the determined Egyptologist caught in a maelstrom of criminal activity and supernatural undertones. The…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 23, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

A film that promises much in its exotic premise, ‘Sphinx’ unfortunately delivers a rather muddled experience. Lesley-Anne Down is tasked with carrying a plot that feels overly ambitious, juggling murder, theft, and a supposed curse with varying degrees…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

‘Sphinx’ offers a decidedly old-school adventure, placing Lesley-Anne Down in a perilous Egyptian landscape fraught with danger. The film leans into its pulp sensibilities, serving up a cocktail of murder, stolen artefacts, and the ever-present threat of a…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 23, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This 1981 thriller attempts to blend archaeological intrigue with classic mummy lore and a dash of espionage, with mixed results. Lesley-Anne Down anchors the film as an increasingly beleaguered Egyptologist, but the narrative often feels more convoluted than…

FAQs

While the plot summary centres on an Egyptologist's discoveries and ensuing dangers, the film's setting in 'The Land of the Pharoahs' implies a grounding in Egyptian culture. The mention of a mummy's curse specifically taps into popular perceptions of ancient Egyptian beliefs and folklore. It's likely the film uses these elements to build its atmosphere and drive the narrative's suspenseful elements.