Stars: Frank Morgan, Hedy Lamar, Walter Pigeon, Ralph Carlson.
Well-acted and entertaining piece of hokum about British plantation execs wilting under the heat, fighting each other, and falling for Tondelayo, (Lamar).
The movie's primary purpose is to show sexy Lamar being sexy, and it succeeds. Wearing the minimum allowed by the Hayes code and sporting a deep tan, Lamar dominates the screen without doing much acting. Mostly she just looks seductive/evil and utters lines like "Tondelayo must be very proud. She's "Mrs. Langford". She must have more things than anybody else!"
Everyone else does their part well. Carlson is the newbie who meets a bad end, Pigeon (pinch hitting for C. Aubrey Smith) the cynical old hand, and Morgan is the drunken doctor. Most of the movie takes place in one room, so the direction is unremarkable.
Favorite Quote:
Ashley: The natives have been looking at me lately, in a queer sort of way.
Witzel: Maybe they're wondering how you can walk without a spine.
Summary: If you're expecting Shakespeare or a realistic depiction of 1910 Africa, you'll be disappointed. However, if like Hedy Lamar, or you wish some escapist entertainment, you'll be rewarded.
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