Something of Value (1957)

Director:

Richard Brooks

Writers:

Richard Brooks (screenplay)
Robert C. Ruark (book)

Release Date:

June 1957 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | War

Plot:

Even though Peter and Kimani grow up together, Kimani soon finds that different races are treated differently...

Plot Keywords:

Tribal Customs | Custom | Death | Rebel | Children

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Rock Hudson	...	Henry's Son - Peter
Dana Wynter	...	Peter's Betrothed - Holly
Wendy Hiller	...	Henry's Daughter - Elizabeth
Juano Hernandez	...	Njogu, Oath Giver
William Marshall	...	Leader, Intellectual in Suit
Robert Beatty	...	Elizabeth's Husband - Jeff Newton
Walter Fitzgerald	...	A White Settler - Henry McKenzie
Michael Pate	...	A Farmer - Joe Matson
Ivan Dixon	...	Lathela, Loyal Gun-Bearer
Ken Renard	...	Karanja, Father of Kimani
Samadu Jackson	...	Witch Doctor
Frederick O'Neal	...	Adam Marenga, Mau-Mau Leader
Sidney Poitier	...	Kimani Wa Karanja

Also Known As:

Africa Ablaze (USA) (reissue title)

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Perspecta Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (certificate #18349) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Africa

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

Although shooting animals and getting out of the vehicle were forbidden in the Nairobi National Park, Rock Hudson was allowed out of the Land Rover to aim his gun at a zebra. The actual shooting of a zebra was filmed by the second unit in the Nanyuki area about 100 miles away.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004) (TV)

Well-meaning film just misses mark

Sidney Poitier is excellent in this study of Kenya's fight for independence and backlash against their former oppressors. William Marshall, Michael Pate and Wendy Hiller are superb in poignant supporting performances. But, Rock Hudson is terribly miscast, and his character too good, even beyond sainthood. And the focus on his character ultimately throws the movie off-balance. Still worth watching though, but it's a bit of a shame since the elements of greatness are all here, but the result is thought-provoking but unsatisfying. 7/10.