The African Queen
John Huston's The African Queen (1951) is one of the most popular films of all time. The film chronicles the adventures of an obstinate drunkard, Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), and a head-strong spinster, Rose Sayer (Katherine Hepburn), as they head down an African river towards a giant lake in which waits the "Louisa," a large German warship, which they ultimately sink. The film was shot nearly entirely on location in Africa. The on-set battles between the hard-living Huston and Bogart and the more reserved Hepburn have become part of Hollywood legend. Despite their difficulties, in the end all became friends and the results are remarkable. In addition to a great script and beautiful location scenery, the on-screen electricity between Hepburn and Bogart, two of the screen's most enduring stars, contributes to their equally spectacular performances. Hepburn was nominated as best actress, and Bogart won his only Academy Award for his role in The African Queen.
Further Reading:
Brill, L. "The African Queen and Huston, John, Filmmaking."Cinema Journal. Vol. 34, No. 2, 1995, 3-21.
Hepburn, Katherine. The Making of The African Queen, or, How I Went to Africa With Bogart, Bacall, and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind. New York, Knopf, 1987.
Meyers, J. "Bogie in Africa (Bogart, Hepburn and the Filming of Huston's The African Queen)." American Scholar. Vol. 66, No. 2, 1997, 237-250.
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