When I was very young I saw this episode and was so shocked by the voodoo murder - the thing that moves through the jungle to its victim who seems to die from sheer horror - that sequence stayed with me 50 years. Recently I found Sibao again on Youtube. I expected to be disappointed, and was. But it's the ending that's a let down, a ceremony there to defeat the villain and tie up the plot. It looks cheap and feels clumsy and contrived. Before that though, bearing in mind the series was churned out rapidly for mass consumption for years, Sibao is well paced and genuinely creepy and its commitment to the supernatural is still impressive.
From a Leslie Charteris short story, "Haiti: The Questing Tycoon".
Directed by Peter Yates (Bullitt 1968),
Screenplay by Terry Nation (creator of the Daleks)
5 Reviews
Do You Believe?
aramis-112-8048807 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A story of voodoo and the supernatural set in the Caribbean (all done in the studio) and featuring the unearthly loveliness of Jeanne Roland as the title character. Why haven't we heard more from her?
Naturally, there's a power-mad character who thinks he can use voodoo to take over the world. He thwarts U. S. government officials looking into his affairs. He's already so powerful, how can Simon Templar stand against him?
A precursor to Moore's first Bond film, "Live and Let Die" using similar themes, treating voodoo as real. Without Jeanne Roland's presence it would make for hard sledding. But it's better than Charteris' foray into sci-fi with giant ants.
Naturally, there's a power-mad character who thinks he can use voodoo to take over the world. He thwarts U. S. government officials looking into his affairs. He's already so powerful, how can Simon Templar stand against him?
A precursor to Moore's first Bond film, "Live and Let Die" using similar themes, treating voodoo as real. Without Jeanne Roland's presence it would make for hard sledding. But it's better than Charteris' foray into sci-fi with giant ants.
The Saint Voodoo
gareox3 February 2019
From the first moment and image you know something most special is about to unfold.... and you won't be disappointed. In fact, that's way to small. And if your a lover of fantasy films the rewards can not be measured. Unlike most TV episodes dealing with subjects of the supernatural, in this case Voodoo and the undead, an explanation of a hoax or ruse is thrown in to explain the prior preceedings. Not here. In fact "Sabao" is one of the best and most atmospheric tales of Voodoo I've ever seen. Plus the scene when a doctor in the small Haitian village this story takes place in tells Roger Moore about Voodoo and the undead, aka zombies, is the creepiest and clearest explanation of the subject I've ever heard. While watching this episode I was in a constant state of "whoa... how are they going to explain that". And what a superbly filmed episode it is. Excellent and unique camerawork with, as always, top notch performances from every actor here. You sensed someone unique was behind this and sure enough when the end credits listed as the director Peter Yates, it was no surprise someone of his caliber helmed this episode. Cannot recommend this series enough and "Sibao".... remarkable by any standard.
Voodoo Schmoodoo
theoldman-0594321 August 2020
Terrible episode of The Saint in which Simon takes an early viewpoint that there might be something to voodoo. And the script supports that view. Hard to believe that this is a Peter Yates directed episode. He brought so much in his earlier efforts for the show. But here we get spooky voodoo rituals heavily laden with an eerie score. Throw-in, around the 39 minute mark, one of the most ridiculous things you've ever seen (except 5 minutes later it gets more ridiculous), and I think you'll agree with me that this is not a good episode.
Of interest is the energetic dancer at the beginning of the episode played by Boscoe Holder. He is Geoffrey Holder's brother. For those old enough--"Marvelous!"
Bottom line, I don't like seeing The Saint delving in nonsensical, supernatural, plots.
Of interest is the energetic dancer at the beginning of the episode played by Boscoe Holder. He is Geoffrey Holder's brother. For those old enough--"Marvelous!"
Bottom line, I don't like seeing The Saint delving in nonsensical, supernatural, plots.
Sibao
Prismark108 July 2023
A precursor to Live and Let Die. The Saint is in Haiti looking for a bit of black magic.
He finds it in the shape of beautiful Sibao (played by anglo Burmese Jeanne Roland.) She is an expert on voodoo, she even know the name of Simon Templar, the sands told her.
The Saint has troubles of his own. In the shape of inebriated loudmouth uncouth American Tony Kreiger.
When Krieger dies, Templar finds out that he worked for American intelligence. His target was Theron Netlord. A white man with a deep interest in voodoo and Sibao.
The Saint finds himself trying to stop Netload, who plans to become the head of the voodoo cult worldwide.
There were not enough black actors in London at the time this episode was made. There are some random scenes where any minority performer will do.
The producers try to be respectful to voodoo. Even the Saint mentions he is open minded, but it is all a bit silly.
Like Sibao's father needs Templar to tell him that Netlord is a bit shady. When he has sinister tattooed all over him!
He finds it in the shape of beautiful Sibao (played by anglo Burmese Jeanne Roland.) She is an expert on voodoo, she even know the name of Simon Templar, the sands told her.
The Saint has troubles of his own. In the shape of inebriated loudmouth uncouth American Tony Kreiger.
When Krieger dies, Templar finds out that he worked for American intelligence. His target was Theron Netlord. A white man with a deep interest in voodoo and Sibao.
The Saint finds himself trying to stop Netload, who plans to become the head of the voodoo cult worldwide.
There were not enough black actors in London at the time this episode was made. There are some random scenes where any minority performer will do.
The producers try to be respectful to voodoo. Even the Saint mentions he is open minded, but it is all a bit silly.
Like Sibao's father needs Templar to tell him that Netlord is a bit shady. When he has sinister tattooed all over him!
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