Review of The African Queen (1952) by Devon B — 29 Oct 2009
It's of no small consequence that 95% of this film features just two actors on the screen. With lesser actors, the film might've been just average, but with Bogart and Hepburn, we are left with an enduring classic.
The African Queen is actually a steamboat captained by Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart). He navigates the rivers of deepest Africa, and delivers the mail to the missionaries. Rose Sayer (Hepburn) is one such missionary, who is left abandoned in the jungle as the german army conscripts the natives at the outbreak of WWI.
Charlie rescues her, and she immediately concocts a scheme to use the African Queen to sink the largest german warship in the continent of Africa. The bulk of this film takes place on the deck of the boat, and I can easily imagine it being adapted to the stage, but John Huston's direction gives the film it's earthy sense of realism and makes it such an epic adventure.
Maybe the romance between the two characters feels a little forced at times, and maybe that's intentional. When two people are forced to experience a hardship together, well maybe they can't help but feel connected (Did Adam truly love Eve, or was it just because there was no one else around?).
A flawless movie.
This review of The African Queen (1952) was written by Devon B on 29 Oct 2009.
The African Queen has generally received very positive reviews.
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