Review of The African Queen (1952) by Randi P — 16 Nov 2009

Who cares if the ending is a blatant deus ex machina? "The African Queen" is outstanding hokum, with two legendary acting giants at the top of their game led by the one Hollywood director crazy enough to make it all work. Shooting on location was a suicidal risk in the early 50s (especially with color cameras) but one that pays off with ample rewards when one views the film today. Jack Cardiff's candy colored photography captures a very real immediacy in the ever-passing jungle surroundings, but the tone of the film is almost frivolous. Even when things are at their grimmest there's still an ineffable devil-may-care attitude at work that becomes contagious.

I can't believe this STILL isn't on DVD. The only aspect that hasn't aged well is the condescending attitude toward the African natives; keep in mind this was made during the twilight years of the Colonialist period. It's interesting to see World War I envisioned as a weird proxy conflict between two Americans and a ship full of Germans with enslaved African lackeys. Commentary on fascism, perhaps?