The African Queen

The African Queen (1951) was producer Sam Spiegel's big break. An Austrian expatriate not much liked by Hollywood, "S.P. Eagle" formed his own production company (Horizon Pictures) with maverick director John Huston to adapt C.S. Forester's novel in epic scale. Months of arduous location shooting in Africa produed an artistic triumph; The African Queen stands tall as an excellent adventure.

Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) runs a mission in German East Africa at the outbreak of World War I. When her mission is razed and her brother (Robert Morley) killed by German askari troops, she seeks refuge with Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), a crusty Canadian sailor. Rose convinces Charlie to travel up river and destroy the Queen Louisa, a German gunboat that controls Lake Tanganyika. This is easier said then done; the two must battle storms, rapids, swampland, animals from crocodiles to leeches and German troops. And that's before they reach the lake.

The African Queen remains an impressive achievement. Location shooting was rare in 1951, and Jack Cardiff's gorgeous photography captures the sights of Africa: raucous wildlife, swirling rivers, drenching rain and steamy foliage. Huston's direction forces its audience deep into the jungle. Both protagonists are swarmed by mosquitoes and leeches, drenched with rain, clothes dissolving in the heat. Only Kate Hepburn's hairdo seems impervious. Queen presages Spiegel's collaborations with David Lean (Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia), forcing its protagonists to prove themselves in a primal environment.

Queen invests its Boys Own thrills with commendable sophistication. Howard Hawks would be proud of Charlie and Rose's banter and their mutual dependence, a true pairing of equals. It's a nice change of pace in this male-dominated genre, and Huston's sharp characterization develops them in amusing ways (Allnut reluctantly swearing off gin, Rose thrilling at a run through rapids). The action scenes bristle with clever touches, as when the sun's glare distracts a German marksman. It's a perfect fantasy for grown-ups, two "ordinary people" handling a death-defying mission with cleverness rather than brawn - and falling for each other, too.

Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn inevitably dominate the film. Bogart plays a usual version of his charming cad, while Hepburn is perfect as the aged spinster-turned-adventurer, every bit as tough as Bogey. The two collaborate wonderfully, trading quips, kisses and schemes from start to finish. They're certainly among the most interesting screen couples, trading glamor for sweaty heroics.

Robert Morley (Major Barbara) appears briefly as Rosy's ill-fated brother. The German sailors are played by an interesting group of actors: Peter Bull (Dr. Strangelove), Theodore Bikel (My Fair Lady) and Walter Gotell (The Guns of Navarone).

The African Queen is certainly a highpoint in the adventure genres. With its striking direction and perfectly matched stars, it's a fun experience.

PS: Historically minded readers may be interested to learn the film's loosely based on a true story. For an in-depth account of the campaigns on Lake Tanganyika, check out Byron Farwell's The Great War in Africa.