The Search for the Nile (1971– )

The Nile's source was the last great mystery for European explorers in the 19th century. The story of its discovery is one of heroism in the service of faith, greed, and obsession.

Stars:

Kenneth Haigh, James Mason, John Quentin

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Kenneth Haigh	...	Sir Richard F. Burton (6 episodes, 1971)
James Mason	...	Narrator (6 episodes, 1971)
John Quentin	...	John Hanning Speke (4 episodes, 1971)
Barbara Leigh-Hunt	...	Isabel Arundell (4 episodes, 1971)
Andre Van Gyseghem	...	Sir Roderick Murchison (4 episodes, 1971)
Seth Adagala	...	Bombay (3 episodes, 1971)
Michael Gough	...	David Livingstone (3 episodes, 1971)
Ian McCulloch	...	Capt. James Grant (3 episodes, 1971)

Storyline

The Nile's source was the last great mystery for European explorers in the 19th century. The story of its discovery is one of heroism in the service of faith, greed, and obsession.

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Plot Keywords:

tv mini series

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 January 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Op zoek naar de bronnen van de Nijl

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Time-Life Television Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (6 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

A true romantic treatment of the search for the Nile's source

After watching Mountains of the Moon (1990), I was reminded of this excellent film made by the BBC for television in 1971. For reasons unknown to me, it has not been released in any home video format (as of 2001). The beautiful sweeping music of Smetana's Moldau and Kenneth Haigh's true Brit portrayal of Burton make this the romantic's choice for the film version of this story. The violence and graphic detail found in Mountains is absent in Search. I have always respected Michael Gough, who is perfect as the great David Livingstone. James Mason, one of the best narrators of all time, holds the mini-series together through its episodes. The BBC ought to release it so that we could have the chance to enjoy it as a whole.