I'm sure most of you have heard of "The African Queen." Some of you probably even know the premise of the film and are aware that it stars Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. But how many of you have actually seen it?
To be perfectly honest, I hadn't seen it until I had to write this review. For me, the term "old classics" conjures up "Pretty in Pink" and "St. Elmo's Fire." So it was somewhat out of character for me to rent "The African Queen" and watch it from beginning to end. But I did, and you know what?I loved it.
The movie takes place in German West Africa at the onset of World War I. Rose Sayer (Hepburn) is a missionary, and Charlie Allnut (Bogart) is a machinist who pilots his steamboat, The African Queen, up and down the river making deliveries.
When the Germans attack the village where Rose lives, all of the natives are taken hostage, her preacher brother dies and Rose is left completely alone. Luckily, Charlie comes to her rescue and the two set off together in The African Queen.
After a short time aboard the boat, Rose decides she wants to build a torpedo, navigate the river until it opens up into the lake and attack the German boat waiting in the waters. After some convincing, Charlie agrees to the plan, and the two British patriots sail on.
As with most action movies, the protagonists, though opposite in character, fall in love. The ultra-proper, almost prudish Rose and the polite but free-spirited (not to mention whiskey-guzzling) Charlie are soon clasped in one another's arms.
By today's standards, the special effects in this film are almost humorous. But don't let the obviously fake backdrop combined with the not-quite-right Technicolor take away from the film's power.
The technology may be archaic and the script's language formal, but this film will satisfy any contemporary movie viewer. It's got everything -- action, romance, patriotism and a happy ending, not to mention the fact that it stars two of the best actors in American history.
The most strikingly different aspect of this film, compared to modern movies, is the initial timing of the romantic relationship. In most of today's movies, the storyline ends with the two protagonists realizing their love for one another, and the last shot is often their first kiss.
In this film, however, Rose and Charlie fall in love toward the middle of the action. Thus, there's close to an hour of plot in which the two passengers on the boat are involved romantically.
The viewer is forced to think about the course of the actual relationship, and is not left to be satisfied with that one kiss and the assumption that all will go well between the honeymooners.
I found this to be awkward at first and therefore laughable, but by the closing of the film I was pleased that I had been able to witness their love. The bond between Charlie and Rose is portrayed as more than a passionate kiss induced by adrenaline and circumstance. These two very opposite people overcome their differences and truly care about one another.
"The African Queen" is a beautiful love story. I understand now why John Huston's movie has been dubbed a classic. This label is truly deserved and I recommend this picture to everyone -- not just classic movie buffs.
"The African Queen" will be shown at 10 a.m. Friday in Culbreth Theater.
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