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Mogambo
1953
Clark Gable reprises his role as veteran big-game trapper and guide Vic Marswell in John Ford's remake of RED DUST, the actor's 1932 hit. After a brief fling with Eloise Kelly (Ava Gardner), an adventurer temporarily stranded in Kenya, Vic is hired as a guide by British anthropologist Donald Nordley (Donald Sinden)--who has .. Read more
| Starring | Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Donald Sinden |
|---|---|
| Director | John Ford |
| Genres | Drama |
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Mogambo
Clark Gable reprises his role as veteran big-game trapper and guide Vic Marswell in John Ford's remake of RED DUST, the actor's 1932 hit. After a brief fling with Eloise Kelly (Ava Gardner), an adventurer temporarily stranded in Kenya, Vic is hired as a guide by British anthropologist Donald Nordley (Donald Sinden)--who has come to study the gorilla--and his wife, Linda (Grace Kelly). Linda is immediately attracted to Vic and begins flirting with him furiously, behaviour that goes unnoticed by her preoccupied husband but not the jealous Eloise, who manages to get in a few verbal jabs at dinner. While walking through the jungle, Vic saves Linda from an attacking panther, and although she tacitly offers herself to him, he passes. As the group's safari heads into gorilla country, the sexual tension between Vic and Linda increases, but her husband's absorption in simian affairs prevents repercussions. However, the gorillas do not reciprocate Donald's interest, and when one of them attacks the scientist, Vic has a chance to be rid of his mild-mannered rival. One of Ford's least typical projects, this comedy of jungle manners includes none of his characteristic themes, but the sardonic John Lee Mahin script, the easy rapport between Gable and Gardner, and the striking photography of the African veldt make it a film well worth watching.
| Starring | Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Donald Sinden, Eric Pohlmann |
|---|---|
| Director | John Ford |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 19 Jul 2004 Production year: 1953 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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In 1932, Clark Gable made a picture for MGM called Red Dust, and very steamy it was, too. A story of lust set in the jungles of south-east Asia, it featured Gable as a rubber planter choosing between temptress Jean Harlow and demure Mary Astor. Mogambo, directed by John Ford, is the remake, transposed to Africa with Gable this time as the safari leader who divides his time between stranded showgirl Ava Gardner and anthropologist's wife Grace Kelly. The steaminess of the original is gone, but: this is still an enjoyable Technicolor adventure romp fit for the postwar Eisenhower era of healthy living, with a supporting cast of monkeys, lions, elephants and rhinos. Freddie Young shot the African exteriors; Robert Surtees did the interiors in Hollywood.
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Amiable, flabby remake of Red Dust, with direction scarcely in evidence and the gorillas out-acting a genial cast.
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Most helpful member's review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
The scenery wins
This is a remake of 'Red Dust' which also starred Gable as the lead. The plot is dull but the scenery isn't. There is a feeling nowadays that the cast were going through the motions with this film but Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly look as lovely as their surroundings. Gable looks too old for the role but then Gable was the King Of Hollywood.
A Sunday afternoon film for the family to watch but not become too excited about. Mind you my Mum loved it. Its obviously an age thing. Worth a watch. -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
The scenery wins
This is a remake of 'Red Dust' which also starred Gable as the lead. The plot is dull but the scenery isn't. There is a feeling nowadays that the cast were going through the motions with this film but Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly look as lovely as their surroundings. Gable looks too old for the role but then Gable was the King Of Hollywood.
A Sunday afternoon film for the family to watch but not become too excited about. Mind you my Mum loved it. Its obviously an age thing. Worth a watch. -
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