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The African Queen [1951]


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Adventure and romance in perfect balance
Review date: 2006-10-25 Rating: 10 out of 10

The Reverend Sayer (Robert Morley) and his sister, Rose (Katharine Hepburn) are working as missionaries in an East African village (an area under German rule) at the outbreak of WW1. The village is attacked and burned by soldiers in the pay of the Kaiser. The trauma of the destruction is too much for the Rev and when the shock kills him, his sister is left alone - but not for long, because Mr Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), a river trader, comes to the rescue, buries Rev Sayer and takes Rosie down the river where he means to keep her out of harm's way. His reckoning is way off target however, because he doesn't know the woman he's dealing with - yet. She's a wilful and demanding customer, who soon formulates what seems to Charlie (that's Mr Allnut) a suicidal plan to ride the rapids and defeat the Germans in their best boat on (what they regard as) their own lake. After the initial jolt of having all his precious gin glugged overboard by the straight-laced maiden lady, he begins to appreciate what a right-thinking and fearless warrior Rosie is and, furthermore, Rosie begins to perceive the good-hearted, skilled and courageous captain hidden beneath the rough and drunken exterior of Charlie Allnut. No mere harsh natural environment or German Army - or Navy for that matter, is going to stop them. Two lonely people find each other, find love and hatch a hair-brained scheme. What could possibly go wrong when everything else is so right? Absolutely nothing. It's a fine film and even 55 years on, still has all the makings of a favourite film for any film connoisseur.

Highly recommended!


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Reviews


Wonderful and Everyone should see it.
Review date: 2006-05-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

Golden Age of cinema. Two stars at their best. One of the greatest Directors of all time. Fantastic (though troubled) location shoot. This film is as near to perfect as perfect can be. Everybody from a young child to an eighty year old can enjoy this film. The developing relationship between the two stars is a joy to behold. I think Katherine Hepburns development from a snooty spinster to a person in love with Charlie is absolutely wonderful. As for Bogart - we'll never see his like again. Fantastic. I judge a film by how many times I can watch it and enjoy it. With this film that is time and time again. A joy - if you've not seen it please do and give yourself a treat. A note - White Hunter, Black Heart (Clint Eastwood) is a great companion piece. Its based on the making of this film (though the names are changed) and is very interesting to view. I recommend it.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Robert Morley
Peter Bull
Theodore Bikel
Humphrey Bogart
Katharine Hepburn

Creators:
Humphrey Bogart (Primary Contributor)
Katharine Hepburn (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Prism Leisure
Manufacturer: Prism Leisure
EAN: 5030370906034
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-09-19
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 101 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1951
Language: English (Original Language)

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