Review of The Golden Mask

This is a neglected gem about a British archaeologist's 15 year pursuit of historical treasures from the Roman empire in Northern Africa. It is shot on locale with wonderful scenes of Algiers, its nearby famous ruins, and most especially, spectacular footage of the desert. I have read a few negative reviews, which baffle me; I find the plot line, character development and dialogue a distinct cut above. But what makes this worth owning (alas, the DVD won't play on most American sets) are the unforgettable shots of the desert. Unique in this film is a sub-plot involving an orphaned brother and his young sister. It adds a dimension to the film of unexpected and uncharacteristic (for the genre) humanity.