King Solomon's Mines

At the time this film was made Gaumont British were really pushing the boat out in an attempt to break the American market.Sadly they failed and became insolvent in the recession of 1938,allowing Rank to buy their assets.The film has a strong cast,not least,Paul Robeson,who had to come to England to get top billing.Whilst the production may look dated now,it was state of the art at the time.Sydney Fairbrothers performance must be the most chilling committed to film.

In reviewing people of color in film in chronological order for Black History Month, we're now in 1937 when once again-like the last two of his I reviewed-Paul Robeson is involved in a movie that takes place in a jungle with several tribal natives. Among them are Robert Adams and Ecco Homo Toto, both of whom previously appeared with Robeson in Song of Freedom. Anyway, the singer/actor is traveling with several Caucasian explorers like Allan Quatermain (Sir Cedric Hardwicke), Kathy O'Brien (Anna Lee), and her father, Patric (Arthur Sinclair). As usual, Robeson provides many compelling moments whenever singing especially when up a mountain that provides echos. Things don't really pick up until the last 30 minutes but if you don't mind some of the exposition that comes before that, you won't be bored. So on that note, this version of King Solomon's Mines is worth a look. P.S. The director is one Robert Stevenson who was married to Ms. Lee at the time and would later provide Walt Disney with some of his most successful live action features of which one of those, Mary Poppins, would get Stevenson his only Oscar nomination.

There have been five attempts at putting H. Rider Haggard's novel on the silver screen. Some are good, others better, a few in Black and white with new ones in color, but having seen them all, I conclude, this offering called " King Solomon's Mines " with Paul Robeson is the best. The early cinematic film is stark, grainy and vastly lacking in panoramic scenery. In addition, it's cast members are a bit cardboard in nature and the story lacks coherent structure. However, for all it's shortcomings, Paul Robeson carries the film and more than makes up for it's early novelty. The simple story is bare bones and tells of an Irishman, Patrick O'Brian (Patrick Sinclair) who learns of a fabulous treasure in the African Mountains and sets out for it, leaving his daughter Anna Lee (Kathleen O'Brian) to chase after him. The famous adventurer Allan Quatermain as played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke reluctantly joins her, Cmdr. John Good (Roland Young), Sir Henry Curtis (John Loder) and returning warrior Umbopa who seeks his rightful place as tribal Chief. The movie is a bit slow but expected for early Hollywood. Some dry humor accompanies the interesting tribal conflict and traditional formula. Despite its failings, the story becomes secondary when privileged to hear the impressive, beautiful bass voice of Paul Robeson. That alone makes this film a Classic. Wonderfully preserved for all audiences. Recommended. ****

I have just seen this adventure movie for the first time and found it very enjoyable.

A hunter and his guide set out across the desert to search for King Solomon's Mines so he can get hold of the treasure. A party, including his daughter who is worried about him follows him and after confronting a dust storm and running out of water, they reach there. Natives find them and after a battle for the throne, the mines are eventually reached and the young woman is reunited with her dad. A volcano erupts and they manage to escape and set off for home, accompanied by 100 natives for the journey across the desert as a thank you for helping the native leader get his throne back.

The movie features an excellent performance by Paul Robeson, whose songs help the movie along nicely. This also stars Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young and Anna Lee. The special effects were good for their time, especially the cave scenes with the volcano.

This movie has since been remade several times and the best version is the 1950 one with Stuart Granger, which I also have in my movie collection.

This movie is worth checking out. Great fun.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5.

In 1881, Irishman Patrick O'Brien and his daughter Kathy (Anna Lee) can't make it looking for diamonds in South Africa. They decide to leave for the coast and convinces reluctant Allan Quartermain (Cedric Hardwicke) to give them a ride on his wagon. A dying fellow traveler tells them about King Solomon's Mines. Patrick steals his map and goes seeking the treasure by himself. Kathy convinces Quartermain once again. They are joined by Quartermain's new big-game-hunting clients, Sir Henry Curtis and retired navy Commander Good. Also, local Umbopa (Paul Robeson) is going for his own reasons.

It's an early adventure which did do some African filming. The most interesting may be the African tribe. The white people are fine but not the most compelling. Anna Lee is almost trying to be camp. While the climax has plenty of action, I want to be dazzled by the treasure. A diamond mine is still a mine. It's good for an early adventure movie.