The Jewel of the Nile

The Jewel of the Nile: A Dazzling Sequel with Exotic Flair

The Jewel of the Nile (1985) is the adventurous sequel to the romantic action-comedy Romancing the Stone, reuniting audiences with the dynamic trio of Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. Directed by Lewis Teague, the film continues the exploits of romance novelist Joan Wilder and swashbuckling adventurer Jack Colton as they are once again swept into danger, intrigue, and unexpected romance—this time in the sun-drenched deserts of North Africa.

The story picks up months after the events of Romancing the Stone. Joan and Jack, now in a passionate but increasingly stagnant relationship, are sailing the Mediterranean aboard Jack’s yacht. Joan, struggling with writer’s block and craving a deeper purpose, accepts an invitation from an Arab ruler named Omar to write his biography. Unbeknownst to her, Omar is a ruthless dictator planning to use her fame to legitimize his rise to power. When Jack learns of Omar's true nature, he sets off to rescue Joan, reluctantly teaming up with the ever-scheming Ralph, played with manic energy by Danny DeVito.

As the trio ventures across the desert in search of a legendary treasure known as the Jewel of the Nile, they find themselves entangled in a revolution, a spiritual quest, and a race against time. In a clever twist, the "jewel" is not a gemstone, but a holy man central to the region's hopes for peace. This thematic shift from material treasure to spiritual enlightenment adds unexpected depth to the otherwise lighthearted adventure.

The chemistry between Douglas and Turner remains the film’s biggest strength. Their on-screen rapport—by turns playful, passionate, and combative—brings a real emotional anchor to the fast-paced plot. DeVito’s comic timing injects levity, and his scenes with the central duo often steal the spotlight with physical comedy and sarcastic wit.

While The Jewel of the Nile expands its scope with grander set pieces, including a daring escape from a desert prison, a perilous flight in a fighter jet, and a climactic confrontation in a desert fortress, it doesn’t always match the originality or charm of its predecessor. The direction and pacing at times feel uneven, and the film leans more into spectacle than character development. Still, its blend of romance, action, and humor retains a nostalgic appeal.

The film also benefits from an exotic soundtrack, highlighted by Billy Ocean’s hit song “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,” which became an iconic anthem of 1980s adventure cinema. The North African setting adds visual intrigue, with sweeping desert vistas, bustling marketplaces, and ancient ruins providing a rich backdrop for the characters’ journey.

Despite mixed critical reviews upon release, The Jewel of the Nile has since earned a place as a beloved adventure romp of the 1980s. It may not surpass the spark of Romancing the Stone, but it delivers enough charm, energy, and escapist fun to entertain fans of old-school adventure films. For those seeking a blend of romance, humor, and exotic thrills, The Jewel of the Nile is still a gem worth revisiting.