Some good zoological photography of exotic animals not normally housed in local zoos, some of Alan Quatermain's speeches well said by Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr shining in a role which could be better written and some episodes of the H. Rider Haggard novel but not many authentically edited constitute the drawing power for those who consider this movie a Hollywood classic. On the flip side the color process cannot be well remastered in modern DVD prints, the storyboard is part western, part comic strip and part jungle adventure without the majesty and depth Rider intended and most remakes seem just more fascinating by modern standards.

H Rider Haggard was a visionary author. He wrote a series of Africa-based fantasy and adventure novels which took his Victorian audience into the most exotic places - even when those places were real (and they weren't always!) they were totally outside the experience of the reader.This 1950 film adaptation of one of those novels has the same sort of impact on its pre-TV cinema audience. Although it takes a number of liberties with Haggard's source material, it delivers action, adventure, colour, and exotic locations to an audience which was, for the most part unfamiliar with the African locations used here.Watching it now, 60 years later, it still entertains although it now comes over as rather on the quaint side. The TV generations are now only too familiar with locations all over the globe, so what was once eye-catchingly different is now somewhat familiar (although still quite eye-catching).Where this film is still unusual is in its use of Masai in acting roles.

I remember the movie played in our little town's premier theatre to considerable fanfare— See Darkest Africa As It Really Is in Dramatic Technicolor!— you know, that sort of thing. In fact it was a treat to see all the wild animals and fearsome natives, plus an exciting adventure story. I expect MGM made back its expenses and then some.Of course, that was before TV brought the world into living rooms everywhere. The movie may have lost that long ago novelty, but it's still a good story set in what was then colonial Africa, with a first-rate cast, including the exotic Umbopa, the prince in exile. Then there's that thundering stampede whose mighty numbers still impress.Like many reviewers, I cringe now at the elephant kill. I'm sure I didn't at the time, but then this ecological type change reflects a newer awareness, and one I think for the better. Actually, Quartermain (Stewart) is also bothered by big game kills, one reason he's ready to give up his hunting safaris.Happily, Stewart's persuasive as the experienced white man, while Kerr does nicely as the British gentlewoman able to adapt her well-bred ways. (However, MGM, ever the glamour studio, refuses to de-glamorize her no matter how rough the going). I do feel a little sorry for tag-along John (Carlson) who, nevertheless, hangs in there. On the other hand, I'm still curious about the van Brun (Haas) role. Was that episode in the book or was it added to diversify and perhaps pad the storyline.No, those old promotionals about Africa in Color wouldn't work now. But the movie's still an eyeful with a good adventure yarn and a fine cast, and those are film features that do endure.

In the deep jungles of Africa, a great white hunter takes a British woman on a mission to find her husband, who disappeared searching for treasure. Based on the Haggard novel, this is just a good, old-fashioned adventure yarn. Granger makes a dashing hero, although it's not clear why the 37-year-old actor was made up to look about 20 years older in the film. Kerr is well cast as the prim and proper lady who struggles to battle the elements. Carlson is also good as Kerr's brother. Filmed on location, it looks authentic not only in terms of the setting but also in the utilization of native tribes people. Also adding to the atmosphere is a soundtrack featuring only jungle sounds.