Sur la route de Nairobi

Why did I rent this movie? Because my friend Paul said it best shows off the "charms" of Greta Scacchi, who was in her late 20s when the filming was done. She truly is a stunningly beautiful woman, and the makeup and lighting are just perfect for her. Bare above the waist, in the sea, she is also striking.

Anyway, Scacchi plays the very young wife of an older, rich man, and they have traveled to Kenya where a lot of rich Brits hung out around 1940, trying to put world strife out of their minds. She flirts a lot, has an affair with a young playboy, and her husband doesn't take it well. Eventually the lover is found shot to death in his car.

You don't have a lot of latitude when making a film based on fact, however it implies that the most likely shooter was the old husband. The case never was solved. I enjoyed this film because of its faithfulness to the period, the beautiful Greta Scacchi, and a pretty interesting story. I rate it "7" of 10.

Based on the book by James Fox (not the handsome English actor of a certain age) this film remains hard to pin down: it's part murder mystery, part sociological study, part history of pre-WW2 East African colonialism, part romance, part dionysian orgy (really), part Evelyn Waugh/Somerset Maughm, part romance, part.... etc. etc. And it's all true.

Yes, the actors are more spectacular looking than their real life counterparts (particularly Scacchi, seldom more stunning.) Sarah Miles' strange character wafts through as most memorable of all in a rich ensemble set of louche decadents. (And yet the actress in real life admitted she may not have gotten a handle on the real woman, just an impression. Based upon my reading of Fox's and Trzebinski's books' accounts on the Alice de Janze, I'd have to agree. Nothing like her except the memorable quips and woozy flair.) Plus, most folks who didn't swim through the primo decadence of the 1960's firsthand might be appalled at what passes for entertainment in British colonial East Africa of the 1930'/40s. But what you'll get for your treasure hunt (this is a hard film to find) is the truth of a murder mystery, weird but real characters, a slice of history, all against the gorgeous panoply of Kenya, despite all its troubles one of the most beautiful spots on the entire planet, all shot on location right where the real events unfolded.

As a family member, related to the main character, Sir Jock obviously for myself, it was a very interesting piece to watch, having grown up with full knowledge of the story in its entirety.

It was fairly accurate, although, typically, like any Hollywood film, some artistic licenses were granted. In fact, in real life, Sir Jock, a typical aristocrat of his time, had been in other troubles before, such as insurance fraud, and to this day I am somewhat surprised even with his titles, money, etc, he actually got away with this crime, for everyone strongly feels he did do it.

"The Sixth Earl of Carnarvon, Lord Porchester, was a close friend of Sir Delves, and a horse-racing jockey. Upon hearing of Jock's acquittal, he sent the famous cable: 'HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS UNDERSTAND YOU WON A NECK CLEVERLY REGARDS PORCHEY'. "

I loved the film, loved the decadence, and from what I have been told, this was all very typical of its time in Happy Valley Kenya. I gather both the Queen, as well as Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones, each called it their favorite film for that year. Anyone especially familiar with British life, humor, etc, would find this most interesting.

SHELAGH DELVES BROUGHTON

Was well into the film before I realized it was based on the factual story of a famous murder case. I was transported and still feel that way every time I get a chance to enjoy it again. I forgot who the actors were-they became the characters. That's how you know a film is splendid. I love the restraint of a fine British actor. No words are wasted. A glance tells it all. Everyone in the cast should be knighted by the Queen! I'll drop her Majesty a line right away. Chloe

In no way a mainstream movie, White Mischief is a fascinating study of decadence among the expatriate English crowd in Kenya during WWII. Shows that not all Brits through the years have been stiff upper lip. [I already knew this.] Excellent photography, fine performances, witty dialog. Based on a true story.