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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
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Behind the scenes, Commentary, Interactive Menu, Making Of, Photo Gallery, Remastered, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: After years of wooing director John Huston via good reviews, film critic James Agee was given a chance to write the screenplay for a Huston picture. Adapted from a novel by C.S. Forester, The African Queen stars Humphrey Bogart in his Oscar-winning portrayal of Charlie Allnut, the slovenly, gin-swilling captain of a tramp steamer called the African Queen, which ships supplies to small East African villages during World War I. Katharine Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, the maiden-lady sister of a prim British missionary (Robert Morley). When invading Germans kill the missionary and level the village, Allnut offers to take Rose back to civilization. She can't tolerate his drinking or bad manners; he isn't crazy about her imperious, judgmental attitude. However it does not take long before their passionate dislike turns to love. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to destroy a German gunboat. The African Queen may well be the perfect adventure film, its roller-coaster storyline complemented by the chemistry between its stars. The profound difficulties inherent in filming on location in Africa have been superbly documented by several books, including one written by Katharine Hepburn. Screenwriter Peter Viertel (who worked, on an uncredited basis, on the script of this film - assisting with some of the dialogue) incorporated some of the African Queen anecdotes in his roman a clef about a Huston-like director/adventurer, White Hunter, Black Heart. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, Oscar Academy Awards, ...The African Queen (UK)
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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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