Watch The African Queen

The African Queen is a 1951 adventure film which tells the story of two unlikely companions, a grizzled, hard-drinking boat captain named Charlie Allnut (played by Humphrey Bogart) and a prim and proper missionary named Rose Sayer (played by Katharine Hepburn), who set out on a dangerous journey through enemy waters during World War I.

The film is set in German East Africa in 1914, where Charlie Allnut runs the dilapidated steamboat named The African Queen. The missionary Robert Morley’s brother, Samuel, has recently passed away, and Rose Sayer, his sister, is stranded in Africa, looking for a way to escape the country. She approaches Charlie Allnut and convinces him to take her to civilization on his boat. He initially refuses, but eventually agrees to transport her.

As they travel down the Ulanga River, they become drawn to each other while navigating the treacherous, crocodile-infested waters. Gradually, they begin to bond and learn from each other. Rose Sayer teaches Charlie Allnut how to read, and he teaches her how to steer the boat. They also develop a plan to take down a German warship, the Königin Luise, which is patrolling the waters they need to navigate.

Their journey into enemy territory is not without its challenges, including rapids, thick riverside jungle, and German soldiers who are hell-bent on stopping them. As their journey unfolds, Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer's mutual respect and love for each other grows, but their mission becomes increasingly dangerous as they approach the German stronghold of Shona.

The film was directed by John Huston, who also co-wrote the screenplay with James Agee. The setting was shot in Uganda and Congo with the great scenery offered by the African continent. The cinematography and direction of the river journey are charming, detailed, and adventurous. They captured the essence of African wildlife and vegetation to give viewers a fantastic experience.

Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn deliver captivating performances in their roles, displaying charm and wit within their dialogue. Bogart, in particular, stands out with his character portrayal of the hard-drinking captain who initially resists the urgings of Hepburn but eventually succumbs to her persuasions. Hepburn also delivers with her sharp dialogue and composed expression that contrasts sharply with the wildness of the jungles they travel through.

Robert Morley offers the viewers some entertainment as the uptight and instantly freaked missionary who sees the tale unfold in disbelief. The African Queen became a favorite of its era because of its beautiful direction, addictive screenplay, and its charming style that brings together romance, adventure, and drama. It remains an iconic film of the post-WWII era and provides a window into another time.

Overall, The African Queen is a classic adventure film that stands the test of time, owing to its depiction of mysterious African landscapes alongside believable and engaging character chemistry. With beautiful scenery, a captivating score, and excellent performances, this film remains a classic and a must-watch for enthusiasts of adventure and romantic comedies.

The African Queen is a 1951 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 91.