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Something of Value (Africa Ablaze) (1957)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 2

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 2.9/5
User Ratings: 69

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Movie Info

The literalism of writer-director Richard Brooks serves him well in this meticulously faithful adaptation of the Robert Ruark novel Something of Value. Filmed on location in Africa, this is the story of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, as seen through the eyes of a handful of protagonists. Virtually alone in a sea of racist British colonialism, gentleman farmer Peter McKenzie (Rock Hudson) strives to understand the demands of freedom and equality made by Kenya's black population in particular and

Unrated, 1 hr. 53 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: Richard Brooks I

Written By: Richard Brooks

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1957 Wide

On DVD: Jan 27, 2009

Cast

Rock Hudson
Peter McKenzie
Dana Wynter
Holly Keith
Sidney Poitier
Kimani
Wendy Hiller
Elizabeth
Juano Hernandez
Njogu
Robert Beatty
Jeff Newton
Walter Fitzgerald
Henry McKenzie
Michael Pate
Joe Matson
Ivan Dixon
Lathela
Ken Renard
Karanja
Samadu Jackson
Witch Doctor
Frederick O'Neal
Adam Marenga
Barry Bernard
Superintendent
Naaman Brown
Hand Clerk
Leslie Denison
Crown Consul
Kim Hamilton
Kipi's Wife
Ike Jones
Askari
Bruce Lister
Doctor
Lester Matthews
Game Warden
Paulene Myers
Kikuyu Woman
Ottola Nesmith
Nurse
Duncan Richardson
Little Jeff
Morgan Roberts
Chief Hings
Mme. Sul Te Wan
Midwife
Paul Thompson
Kipi
William Marshall
Leader
Wesley Bly
Night Clerk
Carl Christian
Cook
Robert Anderson
Mr. Barker the Client

Critic Reviews for Something of Value (Africa Ablaze)

All Critics (4) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (2) | Rotten (2)

A pretty, good estimation of the social problems involved.

April 8, 2008 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Top Critic

Brooks' chief insight -- good and bad on both sides, tolerance the answer -- hardly seizes the imagination, and the contentious climax, with Hudson carrying a wounded Poitier on his back, has every indication of being intended symbolically.

April 8, 2008 Full Review Source: Time Out

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Time Out

Though the story is fiction, the film rings true, with a fair portrait of both sides of the conflict.

April 8, 2008 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

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TV Guide's Movie Guide

As drama not much in value.

May 5, 2005 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Audience Reviews for Something of Value (Africa Ablaze)

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Extraordinary, truthful film about the effects of colonialism and racism. It's interesting that this film, based on the book by Richard Ruark, came out in 1957: a time of tumultuous change beginning to re-shape the world as we know it today. It was the same year Ghana became the first African country to win its

September 3, 2009

Christopher Bloodworth

the movie was fair. neither Hudson nor Poitier were stellar in their roles. interesting that it was made in the era of the anti-colonial insurgency. the story is compelling and worth watching for 'educational' purposes.

November 3, 2009