The African Queen
The African Queen

Movie spotlight

The African Queen

1952
Movie
105 min
English

At the start of the First World War, in the middle of Africa’s nowhere, a gin soaked riverboat captain is persuaded by a strong-willed missionary to go down river and face-off a German warship.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Metacritic97
Google Users94%
Director: John HustonGenres: Adventure, Romance, War

Plot Summary

In 1914 East Africa, prim and proper missionary Rose Sayer is forced to flee with the hard-drinking, cynical Captain Charlie Allnutt when their remote village is attacked by German forces. Their only escape is aboard Charlie's dilapidated steamship, The African Queen. As they navigate treacherous waters, their initial animosity slowly transforms into a tender romance amidst the dangers of the wilderness and the encroaching war.

Critical Reception

The African Queen was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its performances, direction, and adventurous spirit. Humphrey Bogart won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Allnutt, and the film has since become a beloved classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn deliver iconic performances that anchor this thrilling adventure.

  • John Huston's direction masterfully blends romance, war, and breathtaking scenery.

  • A timeless classic celebrated for its enduring charm and captivating story.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's star power, the compelling chemistry between Bogart and Hepburn, and the engaging adventure narrative. Many appreciate its classic Hollywood feel and the exotic setting.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Actor (Humphrey Bogart). Nominated for Best Actress (Katharine Hepburn). Nominated for Best Director (John Huston). AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions: #95.

Fun Fact

Humphrey Bogart famously disliked Katharine Hepburn during the filming, referring to her as 'Kate' and complaining about her strong opinions, yet their on-screen chemistry was undeniable and earned them both critical acclaim.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A film too American in an Africa still dominated by Europeans.** The film is set in colonial Africa during the First World War, near the Lake Tanganyika area, where the borders of the colonies of Rhodesia (British), Belgian Congo and T...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Saw this at the BFI in London recently and it looks superb on a big screen. Essentially a two-hander with screen legends Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn who have to escape the approaching WWI German East African forces by sailing down...

John Chard

John Chard

Giants of the silver screen delivering one giant of a movie. WW1, East Africa, after her brother is killed by invading German troops, Rose Sayer is reliant on gruff steamboat captain, Charlie Allnut, to ferry her safely out of harms wa...

Video Reviews

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