- Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Theodore Bikel
- Directors: John Huston
- Writers: John Huston, C.S. Forester, James Agee, John Collier, Peter Viertel
- Producers: John Woolf, Sam Spiegel
- Language English, German, Swahili
- Classification: U
- Studio: Romulus
- VHS Release Date: 16 July 2001
- Run Time: 105 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005B3FV
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,584 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The 1951 John Huston classic, set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain in Africa, who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an instant, mutual dislike to one another, the two endure rough waters, the presence of German soldiers, and their own bickering to finally fall into one another's arms. The African Queen is classic Huston material--part adventure, part quest--but this time with a pair of characters who'd all but given up on happiness. Bogart (a longtime collaborator with Huston on such classics as The Maltese Falcon and Key Largo) and Hepburn have never been better, and support from frequent Huston crony Robert Morley (Beat the Devil, also featuring Bogart) adds some extra dimension and colour. --Tom Keogh
Amazon.co.uk Review
The African Queen, John Huston's 1951 classic set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an instant, mutual dislike to one another, the two endure rough waters, the presence of German soldiers, and their own bickering to fall finally into one another's arms. Based on CS Forester's novel, this is classic Huston material--part adventure, part quest--but this time with a pair of characters who'd all but given up on happiness. Bogart (a long-time collaborator with Huston on such classics as The Maltese Falcon and Key Largo) and Hepburn have never been better, and support from frequent Huston crony Robert Morley adds some extra dimension and colour. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
On the DVD: A trailer, a gallery of contemporary posters and stills, plus some text biographies of the principals, simply whet the appetite for the main extra feature here: an audio commentary by veteran cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The man responsible for the lush, albeit studio-bound jungle textures of Black Narcissus faced innumerable challenges lighting real Borneo jungle in the heart of the Congo for Huston's ambitious project, and here he relates all the behind-the-scenes anecdotes of disease, infestation and disaster that plagued the production. It's a real treat to hear one of the last survivors of the Golden Age filmmaking happily reminiscing about one of cinema's classic pictures, talking companionably of Huston, Bogie and Katie Hepburn and what everyone--cast and crew alike--endured to finish the picture, from lepers carrying their gear to the location, Huston fishing while directing, hornets stinging the crew, to terrible sickness brought on by drinking unfiltered lake water (except Bogie and Huston, who stuck religiously to the whisky!). The movie itself, in its original 1.33:1 ratio, looks just fine, and the sound is an unfussy digitally remastered mono. --Mark Walker
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
The African Queen [Blu-ray] [1951]I've read a few reviews on here commenting on different versions/prints of the African Queen, believe me the Blu-Ray version is almost perfect, one of the best transfers I have ever seen.
I would also point out it's in the original screen ratio.
I find a lot of Blu-Rays no better than the ordinary DVD version but this one is in a league of its own.
I would also point out it's in the original screen ratio.
I find a lot of Blu-Rays no better than the ordinary DVD version but this one is in a league of its own.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
John Huston once again shows what a great director he is in making this delightful picture. It really is a character piece, focusing on the two leads and there undeniable chemistry. Bogie deserved this oscar - it arguably is his greatest performance. Hepburn is equally as excellent in playing the prim and proper, slightly stuck up passenger. Once again she shows her off talent in being able to balance the comedy elements with the melodrama - a performance also worthy of an oscar. It is testament to their acting ability and the direction of Huston that you never doubt the situation they are in - they really do look like they went through emotional and physical hell. You won't find the gloss i.e. nice spanking new costumes and perfect facial complexions here.
I for one became attached to the duo's journey - who can forget the episode with the leeches, the sheer disgust and fear on Bogie's face when he first realises the critters are on him, and the slow realisation he has to go back into the water to get the boat moving. Masterful acting it really is, and surprising coming from him.
This is a classic and was responsible for setting the template for all subsequent romantic adventures. Its a disgrace the film did not even get nominated for the 51' best picture oscar, since is thoroughly deserved to win it (an American in Paris!??!)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Based on a novel by C.S. Forester, adapted for the screen by Director / Writer John Huston. September 1914, in Africa during WW1, everyone is escaping the Huns. An unlikely pair, drunkard Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart) and the reverend's (Robert Morley) spinster sister, Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) escaping down the river form a relationship that may prove fatal to the Germans pride gunboat "The Louisa" with a 6 pounder. And then again, we have to get past rapids, leaches, and a German Fort.
Usually Blu-ray only enhances the visual but cannot enhance the story or dialog. However, with this presentation the DVD extra actually enhances the movie. Watch the film again after watching the extras. I did not realize that the film was shot in Technicolor. The sound (probably due to a better T.V. seems to have improved also.
Usually Blu-ray only enhances the visual but cannot enhance the story or dialog. However, with this presentation the DVD extra actually enhances the movie. Watch the film again after watching the extras. I did not realize that the film was shot in Technicolor. The sound (probably due to a better T.V. seems to have improved also.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A disappointing experience
Good film. I saw it in the 1950s and on TV a number of times since. I remember it well. I was pleased to see that it was now being issued in Blu-ray format. Read more
Published 11 days ago by H. Galloway
African Queen
This is my brothers favourite film so I bought it as a birthday present and it arrived so quickly. He has not watched it yet but he was so chuffed to get the film. Read more
Published 29 days ago by JR
excellant blu ray and excellant service by amazon and dpd
well i just cant beeliece it i had to cancel my order for this by hmv as they were having problems getting it from supplier
i set up amazon account a few weeks ago and... Read more
i set up amazon account a few weeks ago and... Read more
Published 2 months ago by promaboss
''It's a great thing to have a lady aboard with clean habits, It sets...
After reading about the latest release of 'The African Queen' being wrongly encoded, i decided to buy the film, brand new and sealed on the Carlton DVD label, (see 'view and share... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Simon Martin
as good as ever
Absolutly wonderfull. The colour is very good, and the image is perfect. Would reccomend this DVD to all Bogie fans and also to anyone who is new to his films. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Winnie Shakespear
Great restoration of a Classic
I saw this film probably thirty years ago in a movie-theater in Sweden. I was happy to find that there was a restored version to by on DVD. I enjoyed the film a lot. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Tomas
brilliant
as the title says, african queen featuring perhaps two of the greatest people ever to grace the silver screen. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Riff rider
Classic Bogart and Hepburn
A timeless classic with great actors. The application of techincolour to DVD is very good and sound quality is as good if not better than the original film version. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Ray
Play it again, sunshine!
I have to say I have seen this film a thousand times, or it feels like it, but this is one of those films that never ceases to entertain and this DVD brings a bit more to it with... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Johan Wood
Still a good film
Though I've seen it quite a few times before I still love it a really great film.
I did however find the reworked picture quality disappointing and rather harsh.
I did however find the reworked picture quality disappointing and rather harsh.
Published 13 months ago by Mr. D. West
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