Something of Value (Africa Ablaze) (1957)

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(73 ratings)

The literalism of writer-director Richard Brooks serves him well in this meticulously faithful adaptation of the Robert Ruark novel Something of Value. Filmed on location in Africa, this is the story of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, as seen through the eyes of a handful of protagonists. Virtually… More The literalism of writer-director Richard Brooks serves him well in this meticulously faithful adaptation of the Robert Ruark novel Something of Value. Filmed on location in Africa, this is the story of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, as seen through the eyes of a handful of protagonists. Virtually alone in a sea of racist British colonialism, gentleman farmer Peter McKenzie (Rock Hudson) strives to understand the demands of freedom and equality made by Kenya's black population in particular and his childhood friend Kimani (Sidney Poitier) in particular. Ultimately, however, McKenzie and Kimani find themselves on opposite sides of the fence when the latter aligns himself with the Mau Mau. Without advocating the terrorism of this controversial movement, the screenplay is careful to deal the ongoing iniquities and frustrations that forced men like Kimani to take arms against their white brethren. There were a few theatres in the American south who, feeling that the racial tensions inherent in Something of Value hit too close to home, refused to book this fascinating, thought-provoking, often startlingly brutal film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Richard Brooks I
Written By: Richard Brooks
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1957 Wide
On DVD: Jan 27, 2009

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
A pretty, good estimation of the social problems involved.
, Time Out
Brooks' chief insight -- good and bad on both sides, tolerance the answer -- hardly seizes the imagination, and the contentious climax, with Hudson carrying a wounded Poitier on his back, has every indication of being intended symbolically.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Though the story is fiction, the film rings true, with a fair portrait of both sides of the conflict.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
As drama not much in value.

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Cast

            Rock Hudson as Peter McKenzie

            Dana Wynter as Holly Keith

            Sidney Poitier as Kimani

            Wendy Hiller as Elizabeth

            Juano Hernandez as Njogu

            Robert Beatty as Jeff Newton

            Walter Fitzgerald as Henry McKenzie

            Michael Pate as Joe Matson

            Ivan Dixon as Lathela

            Ken Renard as Karanja

            Samadu Jackson as Witch Doctor

            Frederick O'Neal as Adam Marenga

            Barry Bernard as Superintendent

            Naaman Brown as Hand Clerk

            Leslie Denison as Crown Consul

            Kim Hamilton as Kipi's Wife

            Ike Jones as Askari

            Bruce Lister as Doctor

            Lester Matthews as Game Warden

            Paulene Myers as Kikuyu Woman

            Ottola Nesmith as Nurse

            Duncan Richardson as Little Jeff

            Morgan Roberts as Chief Hings

            Mme. Sul Te Wan as Midwife

            Paul Thompson as Kipi

            William Marshall as Leader

            Wesley Bly as Night Clerk

            Carl Christian as Cook

            Robert Anderson as Mr. Barker the Client
See full cast

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