Review of Mogambo (1953) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011

"Mogambo" is a superb film that I really loved! This movie is actually a remake of 1932's "Red Dust" which also starred Gable, with Jean Harlow and Mary Astor. Considering I had the chance to see both, I liked this one a lot better.

This was essentially one of the first HUGE movies to be filmed in Africa, and have to do with the African savannah. The special effects are actually pretty good, and in the long run look impressive and fresh.

All of this would not have been this good without the amazing director John Ford. Yes, the guy who made "The Grapes of Wrath" and "How Green Was My Valley". Usually, he appears in the list of the top 10 best directors, so I was eager to see one of his movies-- this is a first for me.

Now I feel like I know why he's rated so highly, because this movie looks excellent. Every aspect, the camera work, the Technicolor, and the effects all look great, and it's obvious to me he had a major part in it.

I guess when you have as much experience as him, you know what you're doing! As for the actors, they're the same as Ford, this movie would not be the same without them. Gable's over fifty here, but still plays the male lead great, and portrays his character wonderfully.

It might not be Oscar-worthy, but I definitely think this could be one of his more memorable performances, considering he played it twice. Kelly and Gardner do even better though, Kelly giving one of her best performances, while it might even be Gardner's best.

They were both the talk among movie goers, and I'm sure everyone loved them in this. Kelly's character is vulnerable and dumb and is the perfect other woman for Gable, and Gardner is fun and loud as the girl Gable wants.

Both are great leads, and are absolutely perfect in their roles. Rent for them. "Mogambo" is certainly a movie nobody reviewing this can agree on, but from my point of view, this is good stuff!