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From Amazon.co.uk
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
Product Description
John Huston's romantic river epic starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in their only on screen pairing. Rose (Hepburn) is a prim missionary who is forced to team up with gin-swilling river trader Charlie (Bogart) when her village is destroyed during the Great War. As they flee from the Germans down the Congo, aboard the trader's battered ship, The African Queen, their mutual dislike turns gradually to love. Shot in rich Technicolor by celebrated cinematographer Jack Cardiff, the film has gained classic status over the years. Bogart won an Oscar for his portrayal of the gruff, cynical sailor.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Eric H
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.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
The transfer of this film is really good for a picture of this age. You could not wish for anything better. It is happily in the original aspect ratio and I sometimes worry about the comments from other reviewers complaining that "it's not widescreen" when it wasn't actually made in that ratio in the first place. For those people: change the widescreen setting on your TV and cut off the top and bottom of the picture and you will be happy.
The commentary by the cinematographer is the gem on this disk and I think I enjoyed his comments more than the actual film itself. Full of fascinating detail about the filming in Africa.
The commentary by the cinematographer is the gem on this disk and I think I enjoyed his comments more than the actual film itself. Full of fascinating detail about the filming in Africa.
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The African Queen is a wonderful product of film making's Golden Age, and offers a focused showcase of the acting skills of Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Their opposite characters grow to understand and accept each other as they endure various hardships, and they eventually fall in love. The actors are excellent, and one can watch their transformation through their faces and actions, which are not over the top. Because the majority of the movie has only these two characters, the script also had to be exceptional for the movie to succeed, and is witty and entertaining.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
african Queen
very good film and the picture quality was good considering its age. Its easy to watch again after a few years
Published 7 days ago by sandrawinsor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grandad was thrilled!
I love that you can get these types on films online these days! My Gramps had an old VHS recording from the tele years ago so saw this and couldn't believe my luck. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Jessica de la Haye
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fab film
Arrived promptly and all as expected. My Dad watched it straight away and was amazed he could get a copy so easily. Thank you.
Published 11 days ago by Andrea Sherriff
5.0 out of 5 stars
PERFECT BLU RAY TRANSFER
Almost everybody would at some time have seen this film by now, but for anybody that hasn't the story concerns Charlie Allnut, played by Humphrey Bogart, and Rose Sayer, played by... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Graham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent.
This story was written by and for the English Populace, essentially. But, the film and dvd market was America and Humpty Go-cart couldn't speak with an English accent so the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Karim
5.0 out of 5 stars
An all time great.
What can you add to what has already been said about this old brilliant classic. If you have not seen it gat it now.
Published 1 month ago by Mr. J. Gibson
5.0 out of 5 stars
the african queen dvd
a exerlent dvd well acted the dvd was great . a great addaptation of a great book
i would recomend it.
i would recomend it.
Published 1 month ago by eileenbriggs
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic film
Fantastic film as are all humphrey bogarts films, bought this for a friend but had to watch it before giving it to her, it is a classic
Published 1 month ago by anne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good
Good fun and everyone should watch it ONCE yes good yes good yes good yes good but as I say I don't have the time to promote everything I buy
Published 2 months ago by John Richardson
3.0 out of 5 stars
hardly plausible
The idea that any vehicle for Humphrey Bogart would guarantee a successful movie is misplaced. Are we really to expect Bogart to portray a Cockney ? Read more
Published 2 months ago by lycidas
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