The African Queen Movie Review 1951

After Bible-thumping spinster Hepburn's missionary brother is killed in WWI Africa, hard-drinking, dissolute steamer captain Bogart offers her safe passage. Not satisfied with sanctuary, she persuades him to destroy a German gunboat blocking the British advance. The two spend most of their time battling aquatic obstacles and each other, rather than the Germans. Time alone on a African river turns mistrust and aversion to love, a transition effectively counterpointed by the continuing suspense of their daring mission. Classic war of the sexes script adapted from C.S. Forester's novel makes wonderful use of natural dialogue and humor. Shot on location in Africa.

Distribution

Home Vision Cinema, c/o Image Entertainment, 20525 Nordhoff St., Ste. 200, Chatsworth, CA 91311, URL: http://www.homevision.com

Available on VHS
Running time 105 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Director/Star Teams: Huston & Bogart, Romantic Drama, World War I, Africa, War Between the Sexes, Late Bloomin' Love, Sail Away, Romantic Adventures, Missionaries, A River Runs Through the Plot, 4 Bones

Screenplay

John Huston, James Agee

Cast

Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Theodore Bikel, Peter Bull, Walter Gotell, Peter Swanwick, Richard Marner

Cinematography

Jack Cardiff

Director

John Huston

Producer

United Artists, Horizon Romulus Productions

Awards

Oscars 1951: Actor (Bogart); AFI 1998: Top 100, Natl. Film Reg. 1994.