Something of Value (Africa Ablaze)

1957

Something of Value (Africa Ablaze)

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52%

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User Ratings: 86
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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 his childhood friend Kimani (Sidney Poitier) in particular. Ultimately, however, McKenzie and Kimani find themselves on opposite sides of the fence when the latter aligns himself with the Mau Mau. Without advocating the terrorism of this controversial movement, the screenplay is careful to deal the ongoing iniquities and frustrations that forced men like Kimani to take arms against their white brethren. There were a few theatres in the American south who, feeling that the racial tensions inherent in Something of Value hit too close to home, refused to book this fascinating, thought-provoking, often startlingly brutal film.

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Cast

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