Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Dana Andrews | ... | Scott Walters | |
Jeanne Crain | ... | Marian Taylor | |
David Farrar | ... | Perry Henderson / Arthur Henderson | |
Patrick Barr | ... | Superintendent Roberts | |
George Coulouris | ... | Captain Malburn | |
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Charles Goldner | ... | Martell |
Wilfrid Hyde-White | ... | Pitt (as Wilfrid Hyde White) | |
Mary Merrall | ... | Mrs. Henderson | |
Heather Thatcher | ... | A Lady on S.S. Nigeria | |
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Michael Mataka | ... | Vincent |
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Paul Carpenter | ... | Pan American Airways Clerk |
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Delphi Lawrence | ... | Pan American Girl |
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Mary Mackenzie | ... | Junior Secretary |
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Bee Duffell | ... | Irish Landlady |
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Alec Finter | ... | Waiter |
An American insurance investigator is sent to Rhodesia to investigate the mysterious death of a diamond broker who drowned whilst diving off the coast. The broker was insured for $1 million so the insurerers are suspicious. Written by Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk>
Dana Andrews stars in this B-grade jungle adventure as an insurance investigator who teams up with the widow (Crain) of a diamond merchant (Farrar) who has apparently drowned after falling from a boat. Cautioned by native guide Vincent (Mataka) that his presence won't be welcome when they reach the village, Andrews persists in his doggedness to uncover the truth about Farrar's disappearance, and in his attempts to seduce the now nubile widow.
Assistant director Tony Kelly died making this picture, so it's of some comfort to know that it isn't a bad little pot-boiler, building some reasonable tension and punctuated with occasional light humour (the scene in which the chimp empties their luggage from the jeep is worth a chuckle). George Montgomery's look-a-like brother Dana Andrews is sturdy without being marvellous, and Farrar plays the obnoxious British git with aplomb.
Superimposing the actors over the white-water rapids backdrop, or in a confrontation with a menacing lion often looks clumsy, but this B-picture isn't staking any grand claims, just mild entertainment for afternoon channel-surfing.