1001 Club - African Queen, The (1951)

#237. The African Queen (1951)

Why It's In The Book: "John Huston's 1951 classic is one of Hollywood's most impressive, entertaining, and compelling, adventure stories. Based on C.S. Forester’s 1935 novel of the same name…though set in 1914, the film’s post-World War II subtext of the United States’ emergence as a primary international player as the influence of traditional colonial powers waned, is unmistakable.
Hepburn and Bogart are tremendously enjoyable as the leads. Both veteran, grizzled stars using their trademark gestures and tics to full effect, they suffuse the film with a light, comic air that does not diminish the action… The color photography and truly astounding location shots of the jungle all add to The African Queen’s tremendous appeal. Bogart won his only Oscar for the film and Huston (for direction and writing), Hepburn and screenwriter James Agee were also nominated. This description and the many subsequent accolades that the film has received cannot capture all its magic… and of the many wonderful films summarized in this book, it truly is a must-see." -1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Member Ratings

Sunny D - 8.5/10
"I took the perfunctory romance in stride as part of the narrative expectations."
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Adolytsi - 8/10
"This is another one that will make you question as to why it’s on the list, but still have you appreciating the film for what it is: a good film."
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Alyson - 8/10
"If you enjoy action, adventure, romance, Bogart and Hepburn (and who doesn’t?) you absolutely must see The African Queen."
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Kim Wilson - 8/10
"A sampling of the dialogue:
Charlie: A man takes a drop too much once in a while, it's only human nature.
Rose: Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above."
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Movie Guy Steve - 7/10
"There is a particular charm to The African Queen that makes up for some of the problems and deficiencies, but not all of them."
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Nicolas Krizan - 7/10
"Warfare of gender as well as nations"
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Michaël Parent - 6/10
"Also, this is not a film that film enthusiasts are often listing as their favorites."
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Siochembio - 6/10
"It’s tough when I have every intention of loving a film and then… I don’t.  I suppose it’s not really The African Queen’s fault.  It’s a fine movie.  I was just expecting something so much more."
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Squish - 6/10
"Humphrey Bogart isn't funny when he does those overdubbed hippo and monkey impressions. For Hepburn to find it so funny proves that she's either a reclusive purist Christian with no sense of humour, or she's touched..."
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Lindsey - 5/10
"I wanted to like this movie.  I really did.  It's just something about movies set in Africa, somewhere I've never been, that's intriguing. "
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Jeff Coté - 4/10
"For the most part, this film just does not hold up anymore. The maneuvering around between romance and colonialism feels slimy and awkward."
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Overall Rating: 6.7/10