Review of Stanley and Livingstone (1939) by Kevin R — 16 Nov 2013

Some people just ain't got no respect for the truth.

Henry Stanley is well regarded in the newspaper industry for his coverage of the great wars against the Indians while in the field. He is sent to Africa where few civilized men have ventured and where Dr. Livingstone has gone missing. Stanley has been asked to find Dr. Livingstone, find out where he has been and what he is up to, and bring him back to America. Stanley will have to leave his love interest behind. Is leaving the love of his life worth the adventure, and can he find Livingstone on this gigantic, mysterious continent?

"They hate the whites for trying to stop the slave trade.".

Henry King, director of The Song of Bernadette, Twelve O'clock High, Carousel, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, The Gun Fighter, and Carolina, delivers Stanley and Livingstone. The storyline for this picture is just okay and wasn't as interesting as I am used to from a Tracy picture. The acting is even below average and the cast includes Spencer Tracy, Nancy Kelly, Charles Coburn, Walter Brennan, and Henry Hull.

"Didn't you know better than to bring this civilian into Indian territory?".

I DVR most Spencer Tracy pictures and found this one to be very disappointing. The plot was straightforward and a bit predictable and the conclusion was awkward and unfulfilling. Overall, I generally recommend seeing a movie if Spencer Tracy is in it, this is a rare exception where I recommend skipping it.

"You're going to Africa.".

Grade: C-.