On this day, February 11, 1981, the adventure thriller Sphinx premiered in theaters. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, best known for classics like Planet of the Apes and Patton, the film starred Lesley-Anne Down and Frank Langella in a story filled with mystery, danger, and ancient Egyptian intrigue.
Based on the novel by Robin Cook, Sphinx follows an American Egyptologist who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving stolen antiquities, murder, and secret tombs hidden beneath the sands of Egypt. Despite its grand setting and an intense performance from Frank Langella, the film failed to connect with audiences and was a major box office disappointment, grossing only $2 million against a $14 million budget.
Though Sphinx was not a commercial success, it remains a visually striking film for fans of archaeology-based thrillers, capturing the allure of ancient Egypt years before movies like The Mummy (1999) popularized the genre again.
80s insight: The film was partially shot on location in Egypt, featuring real pyramids, temples, and tombs, adding an authentic feel to the adventure.