The African Queen
Seen it?1951 | 105 min | Adventure, Romance, War, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved Casablanca, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
At the start of the First World War, in the middle of Africa’s nowhere, a gin soaked riverboat captain is persuaded by a strong-willed missionary to go down river and face-off a German warship.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Actor. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$11 million worldwide on a $1 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 134K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Casablanca Friday Night FlickAlso stars Humphrey Bogart, in another critically acclaimed war drama.
Life of Pi Friday Night FlickAnother adventure, and a Friday Night Flick.
The Shawshank Redemption Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved drama.
21 Grams
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Vertigo Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romance.
Cast & crew
Directed by John Huston
- Humphrey BogartCharlie Allnut
- Katharine HepburnRose Sayer
- Robert MorleyThe Brother
- Peter BullCaptain of Louisa
- Theodore BikelFirst Officer
- Walter GotellSecond Officer
- Peter SwanwickFirst Officer of Shona
- Richard MarnerSecond Officer of Shona