Ah, the purple suit. Let’s be honest, even amidst the burgeoning superhero boom of the mid-90s, seeing that iconic costume brought faithfully to life on screen felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. 1996’s The Phantom wasn’t aiming for the brooding complexity that was starting to bubble up elsewhere; instead, it plunged us headfirst into a technicolor world of pulp adventure, jungle chases, and dastardly villains, feeling like a lost serial miraculously beamed onto our CRT screens via that chunky VHS tape. It was a throwback delivered with infectious sincerity, a film that practically dared you not to grin.
### Slayer of Evil, Signapore Dangerous
Based on Lee Falk’s long-running comic strip hero (debuting way back in 1936!), the film understands its roots. It introduces us to Kit Walker, played with undeniable charm and impressive physique by Billy Zane. He’s the 21st in a line of crimefighters sworn to uphold justice as the legendary "Ghost Who Walks," operating from the mythical Skull Cave deep within the jungles of Bengalla. Director Simon Wincer, already known for capturing wide-open spaces and adventure in films like Lonesome Dove (1989) and Quigley Down Under (1990), leans into the period setting beautifully. The year is 1938, storm clouds gather over Europe, and a nefarious industrialist, Xander Drax (a gloriously over-the-top Treat Williams), is seeking the mythical Skulls of Touganda – ancient artifacts capable of unleashing unimaginable power. Caught in the middle is Kit’s former college flame, the intrepid Diana Palmer, portrayed with spunky energy by Kristy Swanson.
The plot, penned by Jeffrey Boam (who certainly knew his way around adventure, having co-written Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), is pure pulp perfection: a race against time, exotic locales, secret societies (the Sengh Brotherhood!), daring escapes, and a hero who relies as much on legend and wit as brute force. It’s a film that embraces its origins without a hint of irony, which might have been part of its challenge at the box office.
### Retro Fun Facts: Secrets of Bengalla
Pulling off this kind of earnest adventure wasn't without its challenges. Billy Zane, fresh off playing the villain in Titanic (though released later), famously bulked up significantly for the role, immersing himself in the lore of the Phantom. You can see the dedication; he looks like the comic strip hero sprung to life, right down to the confident swagger and the way he handles his trusty horse, Hero. There were whispers that perhaps Bruce Campbell was once considered, which is fun fan-casting fuel, but Zane truly owned the part with a blend of stoicism and subtle humour.
Filming took the production across the globe, from the lush rainforests of Queensland, Australia, and the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, to studio work back in Los Angeles. Creating the legendary Skull Cave set was a significant undertaking, aiming to capture that perfect blend of ancient mystery and comic book cool. The film’s budget hovered around $45 million, a respectable sum for the time, but sadly, it didn't quite connect with audiences en masse, pulling in just over $17 million domestically. It wasn't a bomb, exactly, but the planned sequels quietly faded, leaving this as a standalone adventure. Perhaps the straightforward, almost innocent tone felt slightly out of step with the more cynical action flicks gaining popularity.
The practical effects work, though, holds a certain charm. Remember the sequence where the Phantom swings between buildings or navigates treacherous rope bridges? There’s a tangible quality to the stunts and set pieces that feels refreshingly real compared to today's CGI saturation. Even the slightly dated optical effects surrounding the Skulls' power have a certain retro appeal, fitting the film's overall aesthetic. And let's not forget Catherine Zeta-Jones in an early, eye-catching role as Sala, the femme fatale pilot working for Drax – a glimpse of the star power to come.
### Why The Purple Still Pops
What makes The Phantom endure for fans like us isn't just nostalgia, though that's certainly part of its charm. It's the film's unwavering commitment to its vision. Treat Williams is clearly having the time of his life chewing scenery as Drax, delivering lines like "Unlimited power! There's no such thing as 'too much'!" with infectious glee. He’s the kind of villain you love to hate, perfectly pitched against Zane's more grounded hero.
The film captures that specific thrill of discovery – the secret passages, the ancient lore passed down through generations, the iconic twin .45s, the skull ring leaving its mark. It taps into that universal childhood fantasy of being the hidden protector, the legend whispered in hushed tones. It’s the kind of movie that probably played on repeat in more than a few VCRs after being discovered on the rental shelf, a colourful escape into unambiguous good versus evil. Sure, the dialogue can be a bit on-the-nose, and the plot isn’t exactly complex, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a rip-roaring, old-fashioned adventure with heart.
### The Verdict on The Ghost Who Walks
The Phantom is like finding a perfectly preserved comic book from your youth – maybe a little faded, perhaps slightly naive by today's standards, but brimming with colourful characters, thrilling escapades, and an earnest belief in heroism. It’s a film unburdened by angst or deconstruction, content to simply entertain with thrilling stunts, exotic locations, and a charismatic hero in a truly unforgettable suit. While its box office performance might have relegated it to "cult classic" status rather than blockbuster franchise-starter, its sincerity and adventurous spirit still shine through. For those of us who remember grabbing this tape, perhaps drawn in by the striking cover art, it remains a fond memory of 90s pulp adventure done right.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: The film scores points for Billy Zane's perfect casting, Treat Williams's delightful villainy, its gorgeous production design, and its successful capture of a classic pulp adventure feel. It loses a few points for a somewhat straightforward script and pacing that occasionally flags, plus its inability to fully connect commercially, hindering its potential legacy. However, its earnest charm and rewatchability make it a solid recommendation for retro adventure fans.