Visit to a Chief's Son

Visit to A Chief's Son is a strange mixture of anthropology, travelogue, and social commentary. Beautifully filmed by Ernest Day, who went on to work on several James Bond films, it's the story of scientist Richard Mulligan and his attempts to get close to the Masai people of Kenya. His son, played by John Philip Hogdon in a commendably understated performance, gums up the works, and an educated-in-London Masai (Johnny Sekka) further complicates matters by messing with Mulligan's preconceived notions about 'the natives'. It's not very exciting, but it is an interesting and serious look at the pressures put on tribal peoples by modernism and progress. It would be nice to see the film in its proper aspect ratio as the TV print really doesn't do Day's work justice.

I love the sounds of the bush, the whydah birds dancing, and the wildlife that abounds. Africa has changed tremendously since this film was made. But oh. The sounds, the animals. This film is a tribute to indigenous tribes throughout the world. We have done them all an injustice. At least that's my opinion. There should be room for all of us no matter what are prejudices are or what we believe. I've really enjoyed this movie no matter where it was filmed or what was entailed in its production. It's not wrong. And when is the last time you've seen a whydah bird? It's just magical. Africa is magical, even with all its flaws.