The problem I had with this film is that it can't seem to make up its mind whether it's an adventure story or a travelogue. The director pads the film with pictures of every conceivable African beast, and some glorious scenery, but the story is weak, and the romantic development is of the highest cliché factor imaginable. (And unfortunately, many of the spliced-in animal scenes were obviously filmed by different crews or just borrowed from someone else's film.)
Anyone who has sat through INDIANA JONES or even ROMANCING THE STONE will be asleep by the third reel. And of course, critics who lean toward the PETA crowd, or dislike imperialism and paternalism, will be offended about once every five minutes by the slaughter of animals and the male>female interaction. (Brave man repeatedly saves screaming, helpless woman.)
Granger reminded me so much of Steve Coogan, that I couldn't help but wish they'd remake this as a spoof.
If you want an glimpse into what Africa looked like 60 years ago, this would be a wonderful way to spend an hour. Unfortunately, it goes on much longer than an hour, with its paper- thin plot. Read the book if you want real adventure.
Anyone who has sat through INDIANA JONES or even ROMANCING THE STONE will be asleep by the third reel. And of course, critics who lean toward the PETA crowd, or dislike imperialism and paternalism, will be offended about once every five minutes by the slaughter of animals and the male>female interaction. (Brave man repeatedly saves screaming, helpless woman.)
Granger reminded me so much of Steve Coogan, that I couldn't help but wish they'd remake this as a spoof.
If you want an glimpse into what Africa looked like 60 years ago, this would be a wonderful way to spend an hour. Unfortunately, it goes on much longer than an hour, with its paper- thin plot. Read the book if you want real adventure.