Review of The African Queen (1952) by Greg P — 23 Sep 2008

This may not have the impact of a truly great movie, but it's tough denying the entertainment value brought forth by a good balance of romance, comedy, and adventure. The movie starts out at the dawn of a German invasion in Africa during WWI.

In what seems to be a rather secluded and anonymous location, a missionary and his sister Rose (Katharine Hepburn) are there to preach the good word, but things turn disastrous when the village is burned down and the missionary is killed.

Seeking refuge from the threatening German presence, Rose finds the help of riverboat captain Charlie, which has Humphrey Bogart in a somewhat different role than we're used to as he earned an Oscar.

The two pair up and try to escape down a river but what ensues is awkwardness due to the two's different social statuses on the totem pole, and the many hazards that the river itself presents. Taking place in this setting cleverly sets up different aspects in order to keep things well paced and, despite being on a mere 30 foot boat for much of the movie, non-tedious.

There is danger that lurks in the form of waterfalls, crocodiles, and a German ship to create some exciting action, but the heart of the story is the romance that methodically builds between the two. They help and hate each other, but along the way fall in love, and the chemistry between them is great, making the audience really care for their outcome.

Despite all this, I still wouldn't hail this as a perfect movie, because the whole thing feels kinda light-hearted and predictable and while exciting, there isn't a true feeling of danger or tension.

The bottom line however, is that it entertains for pretty much the entire duration, and seeing two of some of the most legendary screen actors together gives it a definite charming appeal.