THE AFRICAN QUEEN
DIRECTED BY JOHN HUSTON 1951
DVD REVIEW 2001
INTRODUCTION
I am now going to say something that shows my age,
“They don’t make them like they used to!!”
When it comes to classic films like ‘African Queen’, I’m sure that you know what I mean.
In this ... Read review
The 1951 John Huston classic, set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart ... more
an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain in Africa, who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an insta...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The 1951 John Huston classic, set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart ... more
an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain in Africa, who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an insta...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Take two legendary co-stars, a rip-roaring boys own story, a fearless director and an ... more
eventful location shoot in Zaire and Uganda and you get 'The African Queen - the best loved of all adventure movies. During world war one, a hard drinking river trade...
The African Queen:Starring Humphrey Bogart as Charlie Allnut and Katharine Hepburn as Rose ... more
Sayer, the maiden-lady sister of a prim British missionary (Robert Morley)When invading Germans kill the missionary and level the village, Allnut offers to take Rose back to civilization. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to destroy a German gunboat.The Iron Petticoat: Katharine Hepburn and Bob Hope star in this cold war comedy. Captain Vinka Lockwood lands on West German soil after defecting from Russia because she feels discriminated against as a woman. Captain Chuck Lockwood gets the job of showing Vinka the brighter sides of capitalism, while she tries to convince him to communist superiority. They fall in love but there is still the KGB to deal with...On Golden Pond:Family tensions explode for loving couple Ethel and Norman Thayer at their New England summer cabin on Golden Pond. Their daughter Chelsea has come to visit with her new lover Bill and his young son Billy. The three generations collide but after a stubborn battle of wills Norman and Billy develop the relationship Chelsea has always wanted with her father. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last?
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Action/Adventure - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Jack Ging, Marla Heasley, Lance Legault, Melinda Culea, Mr T, Dwight Schultz, Dirk Benedict, George Peppard, Carl Franklin
Advantages: A classic film that is a must see Disadvantages: None
== THE AFRICAN QUEEN ==
=== DIRECTED BY JOHN HUSTON 1951 ===
=== DVD REVIEW 2001 ===
=== INTRODUCTION ===
I am now going to say something that shows my age,
“They don’t make them like they used to!!”
When it comes to classic films like ‘African Queen’, I’m sure that you know what I mean.
In this film we have
1. A love story
2. An ... ...made!
The director, John Huston, son of Walter Huston and father of Angelica Huston directed 45 films in 36 years.
Huston personified the Hollywood star – he was flamboyant, colourful and artistic. He wrote 37 films and acted in 64 more, on top of his directing. His career as a director had a habit of picking up just when everyone believed he had made his last good film. ’The African Queen’ was a very popular film and a box ... more
THE AFRICAN QUEEN
DIRECTED BY JOHN HUSTON 1951
DVD REVIEW 2001
INTRODUCTION
I am now going to say something that shows my age, “They don’t make them like they used to!!”
When it comes to classic films like ‘African Queen’, I’m sure that you know what I mean.
In this film we have
1. A love story 2. An adventure 3. War-time heroism 4. Two great screen icons So, it’s almost 60 years old – well so am I – I was one when this film was made!
The director, John Huston, son of Walter Huston and father of Angelica Huston directed 45 films in 36 years. Huston personified the Hollywood star – he was flamboyant, colourful and artistic. He wrote 37 films and acted in 64 more, on top of his directing. His career as a director had a habit of picking up just when everyone believed he had made his last good film. ’The African Queen’ was a very popular film and a box office hit that revived his career. And it has remained popular for almost sixty years.
The story for the film comes from CS Forester’s 1935 novel and was adapted for the screen by James Agee and the director John Huston. The film was due to be filmed in 1938, with Bette Davis and David Niven chosen for the lead roles. When the Second World War started the film was put on hold, and after a few other names were toyed with – Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn eventually took the roles. This was the fourth of five films that Huston would make with Bogart and his only one with Hepburn
The filming took place in Shepperton studios in London, and locations included the Congo, Danwar, Uganda, Zaire, Turkey and the Los Angeles Arboretum!
THE PLOT
The time is 1914, at the outset the First World War The setting is German-controlled central-east Africa. Our hero, played by Bogart, is Canadian Charlie Allnut, a rough, middle-aged, gin-loving river trader, who delivers supplies up and down the Ulonga-Bora River in his dilapidated little steamboat named the "African Queen, On his way to a mine located along the river, he stops to visit a small missionary outpost, run by British Reverend Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley) and his sister Rosie (Katherine Hepburn) Samuel and Rosie know the Germans are there but think themselves immune as they minister to the natives, but when the Germans arrive they burn the huts and take the natives, conscripting them into service. Samuel suffers a blow to the head when he confronts the officers, and dies shortly after.
Rosie is a stiff, middle-aged and somewhat self-righteous spinster; Charlie offers to take her somewhere safe on his boat Charlie is happy to “sit out the war” in the backwaters, living on the supplies on his boat (mainly gin) Rose though suggests a more foolhardy plan, she suggests that they go down river and try to sink the German gunboat that commands the area, so blocking a British invasion. Charlie’s reaction to Rose's courageous if not foolish scheme was "Lady, you got ten absurd ideas for my one."
This boat trip seems a disaster waiting to happen. Gin turns Charlie into a sloppy drunk, and Rosie, well, she needs to loosen up a bit. Rosie dumps the gin. Nature does the rest.
This is an adventurous trip, in which these two people, who had all but given up having a relationship, find each other. At first they seem opposites, but there is a chemistry that is tremendously stirring, to bring these two opposites together.
Do they manage to survive the strife of white water rapids, a garrison of German soldiers, battles with swarming insects, and each other? There may be some of you who have avoided this film so far, so I’ll save the ending for you!
CAST AND PERFORMANCES
Humphrey Bogart as Charlie Allnut
This role won Bogart his only Oscar.
This character is a drunken sot, charming, a bit of a rascal, but always a good guy. When he gradually changes in his affection for Rosie it is a change that begins slowly and then shows in every gesture and look. He excelled as the harassed middle-aged, Canadian, an initially dirty but likeable waster who becomes a man and a lover against his will.
Katherine Hepburn as Rose Sayer
Hepburn could play any role and play it well, even though she lived her personal life on her own terms, and did not let Hollywood control her. She too was nominated for an Oscar for this film. She started out, in this film stiff, pompous and proper as only a spinster missionary could. But she showed the characteristic fire and courage that made her and Charlie realize that together they could try anything.
Her character does loosen up a bit by the end of the film, but this film never turns into a smarmy love story, but instead revolves around a real possibility of two people meeting and falling in love, who first, have a mission to complete. Hepburn is a class act. She could do any role and do it well, even though she lived her personal life on her own terms, and did not let Hollywood control her.
Robert Morley as Reverend Samuel Sayer
Sayer plays the British missionary, it is surprising how much he gives about this character in such a short time.
Peter Bull as Captain of The Louisa
Toward the end of the movie he makes an important appearance, at least as regards the plot. He also utters the best line in the film, and one of the best lines in films generally, I shan’t give it here as it rather gives the ending away.
OSCARS
The film received four Oscar nominations.
Actor: Humphrey Bogart Actress: Katharine Hepburn Director: John Huston Screenplay: John Agee and John Huston
Out of these only Humphrey Bogart received an Oscar, as Best Actor.
CAST AND CREDITS
Cast
Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart) Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) Reverend Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley) Captain of the Louisa (Peter Bull) First Officer of the Louisa (Theodore Bikel) Second Officer (Walter Gotell) Petty Officer (Gerlad Onn) First Officer of the Shona (Peter Swanwick) Second Officer (Richard Marner)
Credits
Produced by S.P. Eagle (Sam Spiegel) Directed by John Huston. Screenplay: James Agee and Huston, based on the novel by C. S. Forester. Cinematographer: Jack Cardiff. Music: Alan Gray, played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Norman Del Mar. Film Editing: Ralph Kemplen Art Director: Wilfred Shingleton.
Running time: 105 Minutes.
IN CONCLUSION
I was almost afraid to watch this movie again. Films that you’ve enjoyed in the past often they don’t live up to expectations! But The African Queen was a treat, from start to finish. It is just as good now as it was almost 60 years ago. Let’s face it, what is not to like? I do know that a lot of people criticise the film because of historical inaccuracies, does this REALLY matter, it is a film !!!
If you thought about this film you wouldn’t think it would make such a classic -- an unshaven, unkempt, and usually less than sober hero. A heroine in Hepburn, who was well into her forties and at an age when Hollywood usually abandons such actresses. But these two actors played fabulously well against type, each bringing out the best in the other, both as actors and as characters in the story.
Even for the age of the film I found it refreshing and easy to watch. There was enough humour, great characters, wonderful scenery and the excitement of incredible adventure to keep me interested throughout. My only (slight) criticism is that the beginning of the film is a bit drawn out. What comes later, though, is enthralling enough to make you forget it.
Overall this is a wonderful film that deserves the use of the word ‘Classic’, it mixes adventure, romance, humour, and breath-taking imagery of exotic locations.
DVD
The picture quality on the DVD is a little grainy in parts, but the transfer isn’t too bad for a film of its age, the sound is fine.
Details · Format: Full Screen, PAL · Language English, German, Swahili · Region: Region 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 · Number of discs: 1 · Classification: U · Studio: ITV DVD · DVD Release Date: 16 Jul 2001 · Run Time: 101 minutes
The special features on the DVD are
Interactive Menus Scene Access Commentary by Jack Cardiff, the cinematographer, this is quite interesting as it tells about the problems of filming in Africa. Original Theatrical Trailer – this is funny as it is so dated. Biographies Stills Gallery
Advantages: Some good acting, good chemistry between the lead roles Disadvantages: Bad effects, slow in the middle
It is the First World War and in the German area of South Africa Rose Sayer is living with her minister Brother, but soon the German army arrives and burns down their town leaving the brother and Rose on their own. The minister soon goes mad and then dies, leaving Rose alone. Soon river trader Charlie Allnut arrives with post and supplies but when he finds out the minister is dead he takes Rose away with him on his boat, The African Queen. Rose and ... ...with a plan to her the English defeat the Germans. She thinks that if she can sink the Louisa, a massive German war ship with is stopping the British from getting to the land. She asks Charlie if he would be able to make torpedoes with the supplied he has on his boat and when he says he can they set off on their mission. The river is hard and they have a lot to overcome but will they be able to make it all the way to the Louisa and will Rose be able ...
sewbizzie 30.11.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The African Queen (DVD)
Advantages: good cast, not bad effects for the time Disadvantages: not able to watch more than once
The African Queen was yet another of the films always in the top 50 best and again another Humphrey Bogart film but very different from Casablanca, he is not as posh. I just saw this on the TV last week and it is quite a long film and although not a film that is really exciting that keeps you in suspense it still has a good storyline but I doubt I would have placed it in my top 50 best ever films. To begin, this film has nothing to do with a Queen ... ...story begins in Africa during the First World War when a missionary is helping the African people, played by Katherine Hepburn and captain of the boat, alcoholic but good at controlling the boat played by Humphrey Bogart. The beginning of the film is not brilliant but the story soon picks up. This is during the First World War when Germany wanted overseas colonies and wanted to keep Africa from the allies getting any of them. German soldiers burn ...
ms19 04.04.2003
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The African Queen (DVD)
Advantages: Spectacular scenery Disadvantages: It finishes, sob.
...those who have never seen the film, there should be enough here to give you an outline of the film without spoiling it too much, for those who have seen it many times, it will, no doubt, bring back memories of what is undoubtedly one of the Bogy mans best films.
The special effects were far in advance of their time and as such were superior to anything seen before, even by today’s standards they are good. The river scenes and the rapids in ... ...that plays just about all the way through this film, it gets inside your head and stays for days.
Set in Africa in 1914 it is a tale of two people on an adventure of epic proportions, the film opens with African tribesmen inside a mission singing their own version of a Hymn, which is totally different from Robert Morley’s version.
But the opening of the film is really nothing more than an introduction to the characters and to establish the ...
carpathian 02.10.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The African Queen (DVD)
Advantages: Bogart and Hepburn Disadvantages: None
== THE AFRICAN QUEEN ==
=== A FILM ONLY REVIEW ===
This 1951 film based on the novel by C.S. Forester has to be one of my favourite films ever.
With the talents Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn it is not really surprising!!
The director, John Huston directed 45 films in 36 years, African Queen was the fourth of five films that Huston would make with Humphrey Bogart andand it was the only one he made with Katherine Hepburn.
Bogart was best ... ...us another side of Bogey, the shiftless wastrel with a heart of gold. Set in 1916 East Africa, it details the voyage of The African Queen down the uncharted river to its source in Lake Victoria.
This delightful film, set in Africa, during the 1st World War, tells the story of an unlikely romance between a spinster missionary and a rugged, gin drinking riverboat captain. Bogart plays the skipper of the African Queen, Charley Allnutt. The. Bogey just ...
baherbc 28.10.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The African Queen (DVD)
Advantages: Bogart and Hepburn, the stunning location Disadvantages: Nothing really
...know why, as it's not the sort of thing I would usually go for, but I'm glad I did. It won Bogart a well deserved Oscar and is visually stunning. The biggest appeal is that it relies heavily on Bogart and his co star Katherine Hepburn. Both stars are brilliant.
The film opens with a deadly assault on a mission somewhere in German occupied Africa during the war, with Hepburn playing the missionary who is forced to team up with alcoholic river trader ... ...German warship armed only with the two torpedoes on board Bogart's tiny river boat, The African Queen.
The biggest thing about the film is the relationship between Charlie (Bogart) and Rosie (Hepburn). Initially confrontational due to the other's habits, they soon develop agreements and find that their cohabitation is going to be easier than they initially thought. Normally a calm and smouldering screen presence, Bogart plays the 'lad' really well ...
pmcds 03.12.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The African Queen (DVD)
In John Huston's AFRICAN QUEEN, the boozing, smoking, cussing captain of a tramp steamer, Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), saves prim and proper Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) after her brother is killed by German soldiers at the beginning of World War I in Africa. Many quarrels later, the two set sail on the Ulonga-Bora in order to sabotage a German ship. Based on the 1935 novel by C.S. Forester, the wonderful combination of Hepburn and Bogie (who won an Oscar for his role) makes this a thoroughly enjoyable blend of comedy and adventure. Later came the book (and Clint Eastwood film) WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART, which chronicled Peter Viertel's experiences observing Huston throughout the making of the picture.
Audio Commentary By Jack Cardiff, Original Theatrical Trailer, Biographies, Stills Gallery, Poster Gallery, Interactive Menu
Aspect Ratio
4:3 Full Frame
Sound
Mono
Dubbing Sound
Mono English
Award information
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 1952 (Humphrey Bogart, Humphrey Bogart), Best Actor In A Leading Role 1952 (Humphrey Bogart)
Professional reviews
Review
Great fun, essentially one long exciting, old fashioned movie chase (Time Magazine, )
DVD Description
In John Huston's AFRICAN QUEEN, the boozing, smoking, cussing captain of a tramp steamer, Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), saves prim and proper Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) after her brother is killed by German soldiers at the beginning of World War I in Africa. Many quarrels later, the two set sail on the Ulonga-Bora in order to sabotage a German ship. Based on the 1935 novel by C.S. Forester, the wonderful combination of Hepburn and Bogie (who won an Oscar for his role) makes this a thoroughly enjoyable blend of comedy and adventure. Later came the book (and Clint Eastwood film) WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART, which chronicled Peter Viertel's experiences observing Huston throughout the making of the picture.
Compare The African Queen (DVD) to other similar Action & Adventure »
![The African Queen [DVD] [1951]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/80173947.jpg)
![The African Queen [Special Edition]-DVD](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/100442204.jpg)
![The African Queen [DVD] [1951]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78501487.jpg)
![The African Queen Dvd [1951] | Bikel Sealed](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/106101545.jpg "The African Queen Dvd [1951] | Bikel Sealed")
