The African Queen (1951)
General exhibition
| Director: | John Huston |
| Actors: | Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley |
The African Queen stars Humphrey Bogart in his Oscar-winning portrayal of Charlie Aunt - the slovenly, gin-swilling captain of a tramp steamer called The African Queen, which ships supplies to small East African villages during World War I. Katharine Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, the straight-laced spinster sister of a prim British missionary, Brother Samuel (Robert Morley). When invading Germans kill the missionary and level the village, Aunt offers to take Rose back to civilisation. She can't tolerate his drinking or bad manners; he isn't crazy about her imperious, judgmental attitude. However, it does not take long before their passionate dislike turns to love. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to destroy a German gunboat.The African Queen may well be the perfect adventure film, its roller-coaster storyline complemented by the chemistry between its stars. Along with masterful direction by John Huston, the wonderful script makes this a rare treat indeed.
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 100mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.33:1 Fullscreen |
| Run Time: | 100mins |
|---|---|
| File Size (Approx): | 0.9 GB |
The African Queen
by Jess Lomas, 18/01/2012 3:34:00 PM
Consistently praised since its 1951 release, The African Queen saw the only onscreen pairing of the legendary Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Combining thrilling action and an unlikely romance between a sullied boat captain and a prim British Methodist missionary, this is a film that truly has something for everyone. Based on the novel by C.S. Forester, Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, who along with her brother Rev. Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley) work as missionaries in the village of Kungdu in German East Africa. As World War I gains steam, the Canadian boat captain Charlie Allnut (Bogart), who has been delivering their mail and supplies, warns them that Britain and Germany are at war. Ignoring his warnings, the siblings stay on in the village but soon bear witness to a German invasion as...
Consistently praised since its 1951 release, The African Queen saw the only onscreen pairing of the legendary Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Combining thrilling action and an unlikely romance between a sullied boat captain and a prim British Methodist missionary, this is a film that truly has something for everyone.
Based on the novel by C.S. Forester, Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, who along with her brother Rev. Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley) work as missionaries in the village of Kungdu in German East Africa. As World War I gains steam, the Canadian boat captain Charlie Allnut (Bogart), who has been delivering their mail and supplies, warns them that Britain and Germany are at war. Ignoring his warnings, the siblings stay on in the village but soon bear witness to a German invasion as the village is destroyed and the locals are driven out. Samuel is killed in the process and Charlie convinces Rose to accompany him on his vessel The African Queen.
After Charlie mentions the German gunboat the Queen Louisa is stationed down river to prohibit any British counterattacks, Rose hatches a plan to turn the African Queen into a torpedo to aid the war effort and sink the Louisa; and so begins their thrilling adventure.
The film had such an impressive team working behind it, from John Huston, whose directorial debut was The Maltese Falcon and who both co-wrote the screenplay with James Agee (The Night of the Hunter) and directed, to the unmistakable signature cinematography from the renowned Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes) and music by composer Allan Gray (A Matter of Life and Death).
It was a treacherous production with dangers lurking around every corner; the on-location shoot in Africa saw the majority of the cast fall ill. With Huston and Bogart both infamous heavy drinkers, they were the only two to reportedly dodge the water-borne illness.
The film went on to score four Academy Awards nominations, with Bogart taking home the Best Actor Oscar, his only in his illustrious career. With one of the greatest onscreen pairings in cinema history The African Queen is a rare gem.
4/5
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Member Reviews (34)
34 Member
Reviews
David Williams
says
A superb movie from all concerned,a real classic.
Jayde
says
A great classic, that i believe could only be appreciated by people who really respect the old style of films. if your into action and drama this is probably not the film for you but none the less a great love story that could only be pulled off by these timeless actors.
Carolyn
says
This may be blasphemy....but I couldn't see what the fuss is. Boring. Must have missed what makes this movie a classic.
Alex H.
says
A great classic with superb acting by two old pro's.
Allan B.
says
humphry bogart is very good in this movie enjoyed it very much
Darren M.
says
Brilliant performances and a true classic.
Paz A.
says
Loved it when it first came out, loved it just as much all these years later. A classic, well made, entertaining, charming.
Brenda I.
says
A classic! You have to be a fan to appreciate it and ignore some of the cliches and terrible acting (eg the German Captain)
Ross K.
says
A great old movie, showing its age perhaps, but still well worth watching.
Juanita E.
says
carol
says
I saw this moved nearly 50 years ago and my recollection was that it was shot in B&W so this coloured version was a big disappointment.
Hepburn was splendid and went onto such a marvellous career. bogy I thought was disappointing - too contained and not enough emotion. The story line now seems rather far fetched as well, though I do not doubt that such adventures took place,. I expected more from this film, but it didn;t deliver.
Maureen S.
says
Bogart & Hepburn, a brilliant scipt. What more could anybody want in a movie.
Philip H.
says
This movie shows its age from a technical point of view - however the acting of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn is superb and well worth watching
Rod L.
says
Donna I.
says
Jack K.
says
A classic (re-visited) which manages the right blend of comedy, action and romance via the superb acting skills of Bogurt (Charlie) and Hepburn (Rose). Filmed in Africa under difficult conditions, there is a very real sense of location, adventure and hardship. The ending is rather contrived and very Hollywood, but that’s a minor complaint.
Zainab Z.
says
Tony
says
A true classic by masters of the craft. Perhaps quaint by today's standards but its brilliance shines through. Real enertainment.
Nathan C.
says
John
says
I think the "5" rating, while unusually high, is warranted here. This is a classic movie. The producers and director of this masterpiece are to be congratulated. The actors were perfect in their roles. Get the impression I liked it?????
Rudolf B.
says
Ardena J.
says
This is a classic.
Peter C.
says
If you enjoy movies and classics' this is a must. It is one that can be watched then again and again.
Barbara Scott
says
Jay Dias
says
Omer Zuk
says
John Marshall
says
Ron Dawson
says
Great Movie beaufiful love story. The model going down the rapids was a bit of laugh but many rememberable scenes
Wayne Baynham
says
Brian Graham
says
One of the great classics, with superb acting by two cinema greats. DVD was marred by occasional "drop-outs"/break-up of image.
Wayne King
says
David Lloyd
says
A memorable movie with a fine plot and Bogart and Hepbnurn at their best
Charles Stringer
says
Stephen Hutchings
says
A good old classic.