Something of Value (Africa Ablaze) (1957)
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50% of users liked it
(76 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
- Directed By
- Richard Brooks I
- Written By
- Richard Brooks
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1957 Wide
Critic Reviews
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, 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.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
A pretty, good estimation of the social problems involved.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Though the story is fiction, the film rings true, with a fair portrait of both sides of the conflict.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
As drama not much in value.
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Cast
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Rock Hudson
as Peter McKenzie
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Dana Wynter
as Holly Keith
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Sidney Poitier
as Kimani
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Wendy Hiller
as Elizabeth
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Juano Hernandez
as Njogu
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Robert Beatty
as Jeff Newton
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Walter Fitzgerald
as Henry McKenzie
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Michael Pate
as Joe Matson
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Ivan Dixon
as Lathela
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Ken Renard
as Karanja
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Samadu Jackson
as Witch Doctor
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Frederick O'Neal
as Adam Marenga
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Barry Bernard
as Superintendent
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Naaman Brown
as Hand Clerk
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Leslie Denison
as Crown Consul
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Kim Hamilton
as Kipi's Wife
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Ike Jones
as Askari
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Bruce Lister
as Doctor
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Lester Matthews
as Game Warden
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Paulene Myers
as Kikuyu Woman
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Ottola Nesmith
as Nurse
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Duncan Richardson
as Little Jeff
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Morgan Roberts
as Chief Hings
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Mme. Sul Te Wan
as Midwife
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Paul Thompson
as Kipi
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William Marshall
as Leader
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Wesley Bly
as Night Clerk
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Carl Christian
as Cook
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Robert Anderson
as Mr. Barker the Client
