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The African Queen

1951 · Movie · PG · 105 min · ★ 7.4 · 94% critics

RomanceAdventureDrama

At the outbreak of World War I in remote colonial Africa, a hard-drinking riverboat captain reluctantly teams up with a determined missionary after violence reaches their village. Together they head downriver on a battered steamer, facing natural dangers and enemy forces while attempting a risky plan against a German warship.

Based on The African Queen

IMDb

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Details
Years
1951
Release date
1952-01-07
Language
English
Rated
PG
Runtime
105 min
Critic score
94/100
TMDB rating
7.4/10 (1,057 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a classic, character-driven adventure with banter, peril, and an unlikely romance, in the vein of The Man Who Would Be King; Not for you if you need strict realism or consistently serious war drama.

Pros: charming odd-couple chemistry; humor and danger mix; scenic African setting | Cons: implausible motivations; uneven tone shifts; romance feels forced

Themes

  • world war i
  • faith
  • africa
  • missionary
  • boat
  • river
  • hope
  • patriotism
  • hippopotamus
  • giraffe
  • methodist church
  • animal species
  • +8 more

Awards & recognition

  • Academy Award — Best Actor · 1952
  • Academy Award — Best Director · 1952 · nominated
  • Academy Award — Best Actress · 1952 · nominated
  • Academy Award — Best Actor · 1952 · nominated
  • Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1952 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by John Huston