This first version of H. Rider Haggard's 1884 novel has a wonderful cast (Paul Robeson, Cedric Hardwicke, Anna Lee, Roland Young and John Loder), excellent production values which includes a bubbling volcano pit, and good special effects when the lava starts eroding the walls of the crater. Even with black and white photography, it is very comparable to the 1950 Technicolor version (with Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr) and better than the 1985 version (with Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone). Because I am partial to Paul Robeson, I didn't mind the intrusion into the narrative of his singing three songs with his magnificent voice. (Who can make a film with Robeson without having him sing?) The movie is full of suspense, action (when the tribes battle each other) and some comedy provided mostly by Roland Young. Overall a stirring addition to the genre that should please its fans.
22 Reviews
Okay version
dbborroughs28 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Okay version of the classic tale has dated with the passage of time. Not the most action packed of the versions, most of this version is a straight forward journey to the mine. Things only get interesting towards the end when there is a battle for control of the kingdom guarding the mine, until then its mostly travel. For me the real problem is that hero Allan Quartermain is given very little to do but look stoic. To be certain Cedric Hardwicke is the perfect Quatermain, there is no doubt he is completely in control, no matter what is going on, the trouble is he doesn't do much to back up the stance (though to be fair I have no doubt he could do whatever he had to). Worth a look if you run across it, but not something one need search out
Rousing Climax
LeonLouisRicci31 March 2014
First of the Many Versions, this British Production is Somewhat Dated but not without Charm and Adventure. Once things get going it is Truly an Adventure Filled with Dangers and Diabolical Natives.
This wasn't the Best of Prints and some of the Images looked Very Dark and Blurry but Enough Remained to be Watchable. The Final Act is Undoubtedly the Best with Standout Scenery and some really Scary Natives. Their Attire and Demeanor is Striking and Unsettling.
Paul Robeson is Often Touted as Enhancing the Story with His Three Songs but they seem out of Place and Pretty Corny. "Mountain, you mountain, mountain, you mountain." But Even if You don't find that kind of Stuff Appealing there is Much to Like in this Rousing Adventure that has an Outstanding Climax.
This wasn't the Best of Prints and some of the Images looked Very Dark and Blurry but Enough Remained to be Watchable. The Final Act is Undoubtedly the Best with Standout Scenery and some really Scary Natives. Their Attire and Demeanor is Striking and Unsettling.
Paul Robeson is Often Touted as Enhancing the Story with His Three Songs but they seem out of Place and Pretty Corny. "Mountain, you mountain, mountain, you mountain." But Even if You don't find that kind of Stuff Appealing there is Much to Like in this Rousing Adventure that has an Outstanding Climax.
Occasionally Brilliant
dougdoepke7 May 2009
Respectable early entry in the King Solomon's Mines sweepstakes. (No need to recap the plot.) Except for a few scenic shots of the overland trek, the movie doesn't really come alive until the last half-hour, but from then on it's near-brilliant. The sweeping shots of warrior armies advancing across the veldt, the close-in shots of the defenders with their magnificent shields, the pageantry and tomfoolery of the royal court, but most of all, the ghastly assassination squad led by the whims of a hump-back hag who moves like a creeping disease. I've seen nothing like her (Sydney Fairbrother) before or since, but her crab-like crawl over the gateway rock may make you rethink the pace of evolution. Also, the white-hot caldera with the clinging ledge above amounts to a spine-tingling effect for any movie period. I'm not even sure Technicolor could have improved on the staging of these remarkable scenes.
Now, there are no seams that I can spot during this stellar last half-hour. I couldn't tell whether the scenes were done on location in Africa or maybe even Great Britain. However the earlier scenes of the trek are marred by obvious inter-cutting between long-shot locations and close-in exterior sets poorly done. For me, this breaks the spell and indicates a curious lapse in an otherwise well produced adventure film. Lee and Robeson are spirited and commanding as central figures. However, I agree with a reviewer's observation that Loder would have made a more convincing Quartermain than the stiff-backed Hardwicke. Also, Hardwicke and Young behave more like they belong in a gentleman's smoking club than footloose in the wilds of Africa, while Young's wry asides are strictly a matter of taste and, in my view, a lame attempt at comic relief.
Nonetheless, this 1937 production is definitely worth catching up with, especially for those who have never seen or heard the great Paul Robeson.
Now, there are no seams that I can spot during this stellar last half-hour. I couldn't tell whether the scenes were done on location in Africa or maybe even Great Britain. However the earlier scenes of the trek are marred by obvious inter-cutting between long-shot locations and close-in exterior sets poorly done. For me, this breaks the spell and indicates a curious lapse in an otherwise well produced adventure film. Lee and Robeson are spirited and commanding as central figures. However, I agree with a reviewer's observation that Loder would have made a more convincing Quartermain than the stiff-backed Hardwicke. Also, Hardwicke and Young behave more like they belong in a gentleman's smoking club than footloose in the wilds of Africa, while Young's wry asides are strictly a matter of taste and, in my view, a lame attempt at comic relief.
Nonetheless, this 1937 production is definitely worth catching up with, especially for those who have never seen or heard the great Paul Robeson.
Paul Robeson's singing, as usual in his movies, elevates this version of King Solomon's Mines
tavm7 February 2011
In reviewing people of color in film in chronological order for Black History Month, we're now in 1937 when once again-like the last two of his I reviewed-Paul Robeson is involved in a movie that takes place in a jungle with several tribal natives. Among them are Robert Adams and Ecco Homo Toto, both of whom previously appeared with Robeson in Song of Freedom. Anyway, the singer/actor is traveling with several Caucasian explorers like Allan Quatermain (Sir Cedric Hardwicke), Kathy O'Brien (Anna Lee), and her father, Patric (Arthur Sinclair). As usual, Robeson provides many compelling moments whenever singing especially when up a mountain that provides echos. Things don't really pick up until the last 30 minutes but if you don't mind some of the exposition that comes before that, you won't be bored. So on that note, this version of King Solomon's Mines is worth a look. P.S. The director is one Robert Stevenson who was married to Ms. Lee at the time and would later provide Walt Disney with some of his most successful live action features of which one of those, Mary Poppins, would get Stevenson his only Oscar nomination.
the best version
malcolmgsw27 November 2017
At the time this film was made Gaumont British were really pushing the boat out in an attempt to break the American market.Sadly they failed and became insolvent in the recession of 1938,allowing Rank to buy their assets.The film has a strong cast,not least,Paul Robeson,who had to come to England to get top billing.Whilst the production may look dated now,it was state of the art at the time.Sydney Fairbrothers performance must be the most chilling committed to film.
Mine This
Richie-67-48585219 October 2017
This movie version (the first) is true to the book and displayed movie magic for its time. Its got Cedric Hardwicke in it who has done other Africa themed films making you right at home with this one. I personally liked the Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger version better but again the book is the best bet and makes for interesting reading as you can't wait to find the fabled King Solomon's Mines. The premise is that Solomon not only possessed wisdom never before seen but immense God-supported wealth making him use gold for everything as he had no money considerations whatsoever. Apparently his mines provided a great deal of this or so they would have us believe. It is a good story when told and this movie tells it good enough. I enjoyed a snack with this plus a tasty drink on standby. Imagine all that wealth sitting there and the locals paying it no mind because their spear and their hut are more important than shiny stones. The Native Indians in America had no use for gold either remarking that the little yellow nuggets drove white men mad making them want it even less. Its only as good as we say it is
Worthwhile adaptation
Leofwine_draca26 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
KING SOLOMON'S MINES is a fairly typical historical adventure flick of the 1930s, this one's a British outing based on the novel of the same name by H. Rider Haggard. It's a well-mounted little movie involving a fated exploration party in deepest, darkest Africa, where the explorers encounter an ancient civilisation and some life-or-death peril. What follows is short and snappy, with lots of larger-than-life characters and a fairly authentic setting.
Rousing Adventure In Search Of Solomon's Lost Treasure
Ron Oliver29 April 2000
In darkest Africa, so legends say, lies the secret location of KING SOLOMON'S MINES, a great mountain full of heaps of diamonds. Surrounded by a seemingly impassable desert, it is said no white man has ever set foot there. Africa's greatest hunter & guide, Allan Quartermain, does not believe the mines exist, but he is forced against his better judgment to lead a small party over the desert ... and right into a fierce tribal civil war.
This is a very fine adventure film, with much to recommend it. Plenty of excitement, a little romance, and a few well-sung songs help push the plot along. Footage shot in Africa enhance the atmosphere of this Gaumont-British film.
Sir Cedric Hardwicke is a sturdy, stoic Quartermain, just the sort of no-nonsense fellow you would want guiding your expedition. American opera star Paul Robeson has marvelous presence as a mysterious native who seems to know a bit too much about the lands they are seeking. Arthur Sinclair & Anna Lee are the two Irish treasure seekers who spark much of the action. John Loder & Roland Young (very droll) nicely play the two English chaps who finance the trek. Robert Adams is the nasty tribal usurper who gets in their way.
Strangely receiving no screen credit, stage actress Sydney Fairbrother is nothing short of terrific as the ancient, filthy witch doctor Gagool, `older than the memory of the oldest man.' The scene in which she stalks about, calmly choosing those to instantly die, is a classic of mounting terror.
Mr. Robeson uses his magnificent voice in three songs: `Walk! Walk!', `Climbin' Up' & `Kukuwana'.
This is a very fine adventure film, with much to recommend it. Plenty of excitement, a little romance, and a few well-sung songs help push the plot along. Footage shot in Africa enhance the atmosphere of this Gaumont-British film.
Sir Cedric Hardwicke is a sturdy, stoic Quartermain, just the sort of no-nonsense fellow you would want guiding your expedition. American opera star Paul Robeson has marvelous presence as a mysterious native who seems to know a bit too much about the lands they are seeking. Arthur Sinclair & Anna Lee are the two Irish treasure seekers who spark much of the action. John Loder & Roland Young (very droll) nicely play the two English chaps who finance the trek. Robert Adams is the nasty tribal usurper who gets in their way.
Strangely receiving no screen credit, stage actress Sydney Fairbrother is nothing short of terrific as the ancient, filthy witch doctor Gagool, `older than the memory of the oldest man.' The scene in which she stalks about, calmly choosing those to instantly die, is a classic of mounting terror.
Mr. Robeson uses his magnificent voice in three songs: `Walk! Walk!', `Climbin' Up' & `Kukuwana'.
early adventure movie
SnoopyStyle20 March 2021
In 1881, Irishman Patrick O'Brien and his daughter Kathy (Anna Lee) can't make it looking for diamonds in South Africa. They decide to leave for the coast and convinces reluctant Allan Quartermain (Cedric Hardwicke) to give them a ride on his wagon. A dying fellow traveler tells them about King Solomon's Mines. Patrick steals his map and goes seeking the treasure by himself. Kathy convinces Quartermain once again. They are joined by Quartermain's new big-game-hunting clients, Sir Henry Curtis and retired navy Commander Good. Also, local Umbopa (Paul Robeson) is going for his own reasons.
It's an early adventure which did do some African filming. The most interesting may be the African tribe. The white people are fine but not the most compelling. Anna Lee is almost trying to be camp. While the climax has plenty of action, I want to be dazzled by the treasure. A diamond mine is still a mine. It's good for an early adventure movie.
It's an early adventure which did do some African filming. The most interesting may be the African tribe. The white people are fine but not the most compelling. Anna Lee is almost trying to be camp. While the climax has plenty of action, I want to be dazzled by the treasure. A diamond mine is still a mine. It's good for an early adventure movie.
No-one's finest hour
MOscarbradley21 June 2018
Terrible! The 1950 version feels like a masterpiece when set beside this 1937 screen version of H. Rider Haggard's adventure novel "King Solomon's Mines". This alternates between the studio and actual African locations. The studio stuff is credited to Robert Stevenson while Geoffrey Barkas did the location work and the lack-lustre cast features Cedric Hardwicke, whose 'greatness' as an actor I've never been able to figure out, as Allan Quartermain. Roland Young, John Loder, Anna Lee, (dreadful), and Paul Robeson who gets top billing, (as Umbopa), as well as a song or two or three, (it wouldn't be a proper Paul Robeson picture without a few songs). It's probably no more offensive than other films of the period but it still leaves a pretty bad taste in the mouth. No-one's finest hour.
" Seeking and finding one's fortune does not always mean keeping it "
thinker169130 April 2010
There have been five attempts at putting H. Rider Haggard's novel on the silver screen. Some are good, others better, a few in Black and white with new ones in color, but having seen them all, I conclude, this offering called " King Solomon's Mines " with Paul Robeson is the best. The early cinematic film is stark, grainy and vastly lacking in panoramic scenery. In addition, it's cast members are a bit cardboard in nature and the story lacks coherent structure. However, for all it's shortcomings, Paul Robeson carries the film and more than makes up for it's early novelty. The simple story is bare bones and tells of an Irishman, Patrick O'Brian (Patrick Sinclair) who learns of a fabulous treasure in the African Mountains and sets out for it, leaving his daughter Anna Lee (Kathleen O'Brian) to chase after him. The famous adventurer Allan Quatermain as played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke reluctantly joins her, Cmdr. John Good (Roland Young), Sir Henry Curtis (John Loder) and returning warrior Umbopa who seeks his rightful place as tribal Chief. The movie is a bit slow but expected for early Hollywood. Some dry humor accompanies the interesting tribal conflict and traditional formula. Despite its failings, the story becomes secondary when privileged to hear the impressive, beautiful bass voice of Paul Robeson. That alone makes this film a Classic. Wonderfully preserved for all audiences. Recommended. ****
In Search of the Fabled Diamond Mines of King Solomon
Uriah4329 October 2023
This film essentially begins with a big-game hunter by the name of "Allan Quartermain" (Cedric Hardwicke) stopping off at a small village in Africa on his way to a hunting expedition further on. While at the village, he meets a man by the name of "Patsy O'Brien" (Arthur Sinclair) and his adult daughter "Kathy O'Brien" (Anna Lee) who then persuade him to take them with him in his wagon. Since he's going in the same general direction, he reluctantly agrees. However, while enroute to his destination, Patsy comes upon a map where which supposedly reveals the location of the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon. And being rather greedy, he sneaks off later that night in search of it. Needless to say, this upsets Kathy who immediately demands that Allan set off in pursuit of him. Not willing to cancel his meeting with some wealthy clients who are waiting for him not too far away, Allan refuses and continues on in the same general direction as before. However, once they reach his main destination, he learns that Kathy has stolen his wagon now laden with supplies and has set out in pursuit of Patsy. Recognizing how dangerous this journey will be for her, Allan's wealthy clients insist that they abandon their hunting expedition in order to catch up with them before it's too late. Once again, Allan Quartermain reluctantly agrees, and they set off into the hostile landscape to find. Yet even though they eventually catch up with her, she still refuses to abandon the search for her father and, with the help of a mysterious character named "Umbopa" (Paul Robeson), continue their dangerous journey in search of Patsy and the fabled mines of King Solomon. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that all things considered, this turned out to be a pretty good adventure movie. Admittedly, it is rather old and somewhat dated, but even so, I enjoyed it for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Excellent first version of this story
chris_gaskin1237 October 2004
I have just seen this adventure movie for the first time and found it very enjoyable.
A hunter and his guide set out across the desert to search for King Solomon's Mines so he can get hold of the treasure. A party, including his daughter who is worried about him follows him and after confronting a dust storm and running out of water, they reach there. Natives find them and after a battle for the throne, the mines are eventually reached and the young woman is reunited with her dad. A volcano erupts and they manage to escape and set off for home, accompanied by 100 natives for the journey across the desert as a thank you for helping the native leader get his throne back.
The movie features an excellent performance by Paul Robeson, whose songs help the movie along nicely. This also stars Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young and Anna Lee. The special effects were good for their time, especially the cave scenes with the volcano.
This movie has since been remade several times and the best version is the 1950 one with Stuart Granger, which I also have in my movie collection.
This movie is worth checking out. Great fun.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
A hunter and his guide set out across the desert to search for King Solomon's Mines so he can get hold of the treasure. A party, including his daughter who is worried about him follows him and after confronting a dust storm and running out of water, they reach there. Natives find them and after a battle for the throne, the mines are eventually reached and the young woman is reunited with her dad. A volcano erupts and they manage to escape and set off for home, accompanied by 100 natives for the journey across the desert as a thank you for helping the native leader get his throne back.
The movie features an excellent performance by Paul Robeson, whose songs help the movie along nicely. This also stars Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young and Anna Lee. The special effects were good for their time, especially the cave scenes with the volcano.
This movie has since been remade several times and the best version is the 1950 one with Stuart Granger, which I also have in my movie collection.
This movie is worth checking out. Great fun.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
Yes, I've met the Irish before
AAdaSC19 November 2022
Father and daughter Arthur Sinclair (Pat) and Anna Lee (Kathy) have horrid Irish accents. Lee's attempt at the accent is terrible. Anyway, they are typical Irish chancers and are in South Africa searching for diamonds. They come across renowned hunter Cedric Hardwicke (Quartermain) who is on route to meet up and go on a hunt with wealthy associates Roland Young and John Loder (Sir Henry). On their travels they find a wagon that has returned from the desert in the search for King Solomon's mines which houses a fortune in diamonds. That's where everyone's attention is turned.
There are a few annoying characters in this film. The Irish couple - especially at the beginning of the film. It is during this part that Hardwicke delivers the classic line "yes, I've met the Irish before" in response to Lee's confession "I've lied." Ha ha. Roland Young is put in the film for comedy but he is not needed and seems out of place making smartass comments whilst Loder gives a dull portrayal as the young romantic hero-type. Paul Robeson (Umbopa) is also in the film as someone who holds a secret and whilst he does well in his role, they make him sing 4 times and the songs are rubbish. So, the overall result isn't as good as it could have been.
There are good scenes - Robert Adams (Twala) is good as the bad tribal chief and the old hag Sydney Fairbrother (Gagool) is centre stage for a disturbing ceremony that takes place - it's a good sequence. It ends with that old chestnut, which I actually predicted and first read about in the Tintin book "Prisoners of the Sun" - an eclipse of the sun.
I definitely would have grabbed a handful of diamonds on my way out. Whilst I work for a Jewellers and benefit from a generous discount option, you can't beat a freebie.
There are a few annoying characters in this film. The Irish couple - especially at the beginning of the film. It is during this part that Hardwicke delivers the classic line "yes, I've met the Irish before" in response to Lee's confession "I've lied." Ha ha. Roland Young is put in the film for comedy but he is not needed and seems out of place making smartass comments whilst Loder gives a dull portrayal as the young romantic hero-type. Paul Robeson (Umbopa) is also in the film as someone who holds a secret and whilst he does well in his role, they make him sing 4 times and the songs are rubbish. So, the overall result isn't as good as it could have been.
There are good scenes - Robert Adams (Twala) is good as the bad tribal chief and the old hag Sydney Fairbrother (Gagool) is centre stage for a disturbing ceremony that takes place - it's a good sequence. It ends with that old chestnut, which I actually predicted and first read about in the Tintin book "Prisoners of the Sun" - an eclipse of the sun.
I definitely would have grabbed a handful of diamonds on my way out. Whilst I work for a Jewellers and benefit from a generous discount option, you can't beat a freebie.
Adventures in Africa
EdgarST2 April 2020
Enjoyable adventure film, about four men and a woman in Africa, with different agendas in their minds. Although some sources claim this version is the most faithful to H.R. Haggard's novel, many changes were made, including the addition of a female protagonist, not as a decorative figure, but as the key character that triggers the expedition to find King Solomon's mines. Allegedly, one screenwriter objected to this change and left production. Exciting as it is, this would have been much better without a couple of unnecessary songs performed by star Paul Robeson.
Paul Robeson shines
gbill-7487713 December 2021
A creaky old film in a lot of ways and there were times when my interest waned, but it finishes strong, and is a good example of a forerunner of films like Indiana Jones. In it a group of Brits seeking to enrich themselves in Africa trek across a harsh desert with a man who is secretly the heir to the throne of a local tribe (Paul Robeson). There is contention for the throne as well as contention for the diamonds in the fabled King Solomon's mines, leading to action sequences on both fronts which are pretty well done. On top of that you have Robeson singing which is always a highlight, and here there is a nice little echo effect on one of the three songs he performs, 'Climbin' Up.'
The quality of the surviving print isn't stellar, but the cinematography on location is at times quite good, and one can only imagine what it would like in higher resolution, wide screen color. Unfortunately, it's mixed in with footage that is clearly shot in the studio, which pales in comparison. Like action films today, this one blends in romance (Anna Lee and John Loder, not so convincingly) as well as humor (Cedric Hardwicke, who gets off a number of clever lines). There is exoticism that works, like the grizzled old witch doctor (even if it is Sydney Fairbrother in blackface), and bits that are stereotypes (the usual stuff reflecting childishness, with a little voyeurism at topless women on top of it). It's just a mixed bag across the board, but there's enough here to make it worth checking out.
The quality of the surviving print isn't stellar, but the cinematography on location is at times quite good, and one can only imagine what it would like in higher resolution, wide screen color. Unfortunately, it's mixed in with footage that is clearly shot in the studio, which pales in comparison. Like action films today, this one blends in romance (Anna Lee and John Loder, not so convincingly) as well as humor (Cedric Hardwicke, who gets off a number of clever lines). There is exoticism that works, like the grizzled old witch doctor (even if it is Sydney Fairbrother in blackface), and bits that are stereotypes (the usual stuff reflecting childishness, with a little voyeurism at topless women on top of it). It's just a mixed bag across the board, but there's enough here to make it worth checking out.
Allan Quatermain and some really, really stupid people have a rousing adventure!
planktonrules27 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is a rousing adventure story that has only a few flaws that keep it from an even higher score--amazingly good for a film that has somehow been allowed to slip into the public domain! The film begins with a really dumb girl (Anna Lee) and her even dumber father (Arthur Sinclair) hitching a ride along with the famous Allan Quartermain (Cedric Hardwicke) as he goes to meet a client. It seems that Quartermain's exploits as a great white hunter are legendary, though he seems a pretty likable guy who really is so unlike the two Irish idiots he happened upon. By the way, I have absolutely nothing against the Irish--it's just that the characters really overdo the 'I'm Irish' bit through the first part of the film.
Along the way, they happen upon a dying man and his co-traveler (Paul Robson) and they learn about some sort of treasure of King Solomon's mines. Almost instantly, the father takes off in search of the treasure--even though it's blinking insane to travel through unknown African territory and through deserts to do this---alone!!! And, it turns out his daughter is also an idiot, as soon she steals one of Quartermain's wagons and sets off in search of her father and the treasure. Oddly, Quartermain's client who has hired him for a safari (Roland Young) decides that he and Quartermain should follow her and try to save her from herself. I say they should have just let her die and then celebrated with some pie...but that wouldn't make a very interesting movie, would it?! Eventually, their insanely difficult journey brings them to a strange land where there really is an honest-to-goodness treasure. But, they have to battle the tribesmen AND nature to get the treasure and, hopefully, find the idiots and save them from themselves.
Overall, this is a really good African adventures story because the natives really do appear to be Africans, the scenery sure looks like Africa and there is no trace of the usual stock shots of animals from Asia or South America like you'd usually see in the countless low-budget films set in Africa that were the rage from the 1930s-50s. And, the story and acting are quite good, though I was a bit surprised to see Hardwicke as an action-hero--he's got a lovely voice and was a good actor, but 'macho' is not normally a word I'd associate with him! About the only problem with the film is all of Paul Robeson's gratuitous singing. Yes, he has a wonderful voice in the film, but the songs seemed irrelevant to the plot and were simply tossed in because he had a great voice. Also, oddly, his first song sure sounded a lot like a re-working of "Old Man River"--a song he made famous on Broadway and film in "Showboat" (1936).
Along the way, they happen upon a dying man and his co-traveler (Paul Robson) and they learn about some sort of treasure of King Solomon's mines. Almost instantly, the father takes off in search of the treasure--even though it's blinking insane to travel through unknown African territory and through deserts to do this---alone!!! And, it turns out his daughter is also an idiot, as soon she steals one of Quartermain's wagons and sets off in search of her father and the treasure. Oddly, Quartermain's client who has hired him for a safari (Roland Young) decides that he and Quartermain should follow her and try to save her from herself. I say they should have just let her die and then celebrated with some pie...but that wouldn't make a very interesting movie, would it?! Eventually, their insanely difficult journey brings them to a strange land where there really is an honest-to-goodness treasure. But, they have to battle the tribesmen AND nature to get the treasure and, hopefully, find the idiots and save them from themselves.
Overall, this is a really good African adventures story because the natives really do appear to be Africans, the scenery sure looks like Africa and there is no trace of the usual stock shots of animals from Asia or South America like you'd usually see in the countless low-budget films set in Africa that were the rage from the 1930s-50s. And, the story and acting are quite good, though I was a bit surprised to see Hardwicke as an action-hero--he's got a lovely voice and was a good actor, but 'macho' is not normally a word I'd associate with him! About the only problem with the film is all of Paul Robeson's gratuitous singing. Yes, he has a wonderful voice in the film, but the songs seemed irrelevant to the plot and were simply tossed in because he had a great voice. Also, oddly, his first song sure sounded a lot like a re-working of "Old Man River"--a song he made famous on Broadway and film in "Showboat" (1936).
The truest version to the original tale
clanciai25 June 2020
After having seen all those modern versions of this adventure classic, one version longer than the other, it's quite refreshing to see the first ambitious version of the 30s, which actually is the one that sticks closest to the book, with only 80 minutes of intensive action while the others could stretch to almost 3 hours. Here the story starts chronologically with the Silvestre adventures, he is actually here alive, although even this film fails to visit his cave, one of the most dramatic chapters of the book, here you have the correct combat between Sir Henry and Twala, who is one-eyed as he should be, here there is the dance of the witches, the crucial moment of the book, neglected by all the other versions, with the proper eclipse, and so on. There is also plenty of good humour here, missing in both the 1950 and 2004 versions, and above all, you have Paul Robeson as a singing Umbopa. It's an early Robert Stevenson direction, but already here you feel his professional hand leading the adventure saga with efficiency and to great effect. It's not the best version, the prize goes to the 1950 Stewart Granger-Deborah Kerr realistic version, but there are many good details here that you will miss in all later versions. Cedric Hardwicke is perfect as Allan Quatermain, and Roland Young is even more perfect as commander Good with the famous monocle, so important to the story, and his beautful white legs. Gagool is not very much impressive here though, just an old hag, while in all versions you miss the beautful and crucial character of Foulata, who actually is the one who saves them all by sacrificing herself to Gagool. This could be seen as the first Indiana Jones adventure, all the ingredients here you will recognize in almost all the Indiana Jones chronicles, always focussing on archeology and history for a leading theme, which also dominates almost all of Haggard's adventure tales.
First Sound Version of Haggard's 1885 Novel and Closet of all the Remakes to His Book
springfieldrental5 October 2023
One of England's first adventure novels set in Africa was first adapted to the screen with sound in Gaumont British Pictures' June 1937's "King Solomon's Mines." Victorian writer Sir H. Rider Haggard's 1885 novel also originated the 'lost world' genre that proved popular in the ensuing years. The story of a group of treasure seekers searching for valuables in the remotest region of Africa was first produced in the now-lost 1919 silent of the same name. Several movies of "King Solomon's Mines," have followed, including its most famous, 1950's Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr version. The 1937's British production is called the most faithful to Haggard's work, though Gaumont took some liberties to make the white-knuckled adventure story even more spellbinding.
Patsy O'Brien (Arthur Sinclair) and his daughter Kathy (Anna Lee) meet hunter Allan Quartermain (Cedric Hardwicke) in Africa, where they come across Umbopa (Paul Robeson) and a dying man who has a map of a hidden treasure. Patsy takes off with the map in the middle of the night. Quartemain, knowing there's gold in them thar hills, collects a couple of other hunters before he discovers Kathy has taken his wagon to find her dad. Both parties ultimately find Patsy in the mountains with the treasure. One hitch they find is a rowdy native tribe intent on protecting the riches, and Umbopa is the only one who can save them.
Film reviewer Kris Davies says the film is "A well-paced adventure, the wonderful backdrop of Africa adding tremendous presence. The wonderfully deep voice of Robeson also adding as much presence." The baritone singer Robeson belts out a couple of songs. The African movie was shot mostly in Gaumont's London studio, which was augmented by a second unit's footage filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, using stand-ins for long shots. A rousing battle between Umbopa and his allies against the tribe protecting the riches towards the end of the movie has been likened to the 1964 British epic "Zulu."
Variety loved "King Solomon's Mines," gushing, "With all the dramatic moments of H. Rider Haggard's adventure yarn, and production values reaching high and spectacular standards, here is a slab of genuine adventure decked in finely done, realistic African settings." Robert Stevenson handled the London studio direction, a year before David O. Selznick hired him and Alfred Hitchcock to direct in Hollywood. Stevenson later worked for Walt Disney, where he directed 1964's "Mary Poppins." Actress Anna Lee was married to Stevenson when she appeared in "King Solomon's Mines." She later made several John Ford-directed movies, including 1941's "How Green Was My Valley." She ended up acting in the television soap opera General Hospital from 1979 to 2003 in the character of Lila Quartermain, selecting the last name of the hunter in the 1937 classic.
Patsy O'Brien (Arthur Sinclair) and his daughter Kathy (Anna Lee) meet hunter Allan Quartermain (Cedric Hardwicke) in Africa, where they come across Umbopa (Paul Robeson) and a dying man who has a map of a hidden treasure. Patsy takes off with the map in the middle of the night. Quartemain, knowing there's gold in them thar hills, collects a couple of other hunters before he discovers Kathy has taken his wagon to find her dad. Both parties ultimately find Patsy in the mountains with the treasure. One hitch they find is a rowdy native tribe intent on protecting the riches, and Umbopa is the only one who can save them.
Film reviewer Kris Davies says the film is "A well-paced adventure, the wonderful backdrop of Africa adding tremendous presence. The wonderfully deep voice of Robeson also adding as much presence." The baritone singer Robeson belts out a couple of songs. The African movie was shot mostly in Gaumont's London studio, which was augmented by a second unit's footage filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, using stand-ins for long shots. A rousing battle between Umbopa and his allies against the tribe protecting the riches towards the end of the movie has been likened to the 1964 British epic "Zulu."
Variety loved "King Solomon's Mines," gushing, "With all the dramatic moments of H. Rider Haggard's adventure yarn, and production values reaching high and spectacular standards, here is a slab of genuine adventure decked in finely done, realistic African settings." Robert Stevenson handled the London studio direction, a year before David O. Selznick hired him and Alfred Hitchcock to direct in Hollywood. Stevenson later worked for Walt Disney, where he directed 1964's "Mary Poppins." Actress Anna Lee was married to Stevenson when she appeared in "King Solomon's Mines." She later made several John Ford-directed movies, including 1941's "How Green Was My Valley." She ended up acting in the television soap opera General Hospital from 1979 to 2003 in the character of Lila Quartermain, selecting the last name of the hunter in the 1937 classic.
Slightly different than other Allan Quarterman versions
jordondave-2808511 April 2023
(1937) King Solomon Mines
ACTION ADVENTURE
Adapted from the novel by H. Rider Haggard that although some of the themes are similar to other "King Solomon Mines" movies, the direction is completely different which opens with an Irish father and daughter of Patsy O'Brien (Arthur Sinclair) and Kathy O'Brien (Anna Lee) are down on their luck in search of diamonds. It is then they decide to hitch a ride with infamous hunter, Allan Quatermain (Cedric Hardwicke ) and it is then, is when they stumble onto an African man,Umbopa (Paul Robeson) and a dying man attempting to seek the treasure of "King Solomon's Mines- hence the title by using the map. The daughter who begins to get worried about the safety of her dad, many others tag along with him, including Allan Quartermain himself in search of him with actor Paul Robeson stealing much of the movie
What I like about this movie is the fact that the Alan Quarterman character is not invincible in comparison to some mythical people, and that he needs help from other people, particularly Umbopa played by Paul Robeson.
Adapted from the novel by H. Rider Haggard that although some of the themes are similar to other "King Solomon Mines" movies, the direction is completely different which opens with an Irish father and daughter of Patsy O'Brien (Arthur Sinclair) and Kathy O'Brien (Anna Lee) are down on their luck in search of diamonds. It is then they decide to hitch a ride with infamous hunter, Allan Quatermain (Cedric Hardwicke ) and it is then, is when they stumble onto an African man,Umbopa (Paul Robeson) and a dying man attempting to seek the treasure of "King Solomon's Mines- hence the title by using the map. The daughter who begins to get worried about the safety of her dad, many others tag along with him, including Allan Quartermain himself in search of him with actor Paul Robeson stealing much of the movie
What I like about this movie is the fact that the Alan Quarterman character is not invincible in comparison to some mythical people, and that he needs help from other people, particularly Umbopa played by Paul Robeson.
Amusing
theognis-8082127 September 2021
In the days before tourism and casual international travel, this foray into "the heart of darkest Africa" must have been a rousing adventure for audiences intrigued by the opportunity to visit the lost mines of King Solomon, which held riches beyond our wildest dreams, during the Great Depression. Much suspense is created when lovely young blonde, Anna Lee, invests faith in a handsome, strapping, young black man, Paul Robeson, who can appear and disappear and, like a horse, even smell water, when others are dying of thirst. Cedric Hardwicke, a model of cynical indifference, and her father, Arthur Sinclair are mildly disdainful of her trust, but, only with the appearance of a handsome young Englishman, John Loder, can we hope for a happy future for the sweet, beauteous, darling girl. The mines, within a volcanic mountain surrounded by sheer cliffs of crumbling rocks, is a dangerous place to visit, guarded as it is by a magical, wicked old woman. Will the treasures be secured? Will love conquer all? If you rush out to the lobby for more goobers, be sure to return in time for the answers and the trailers. A jolly, good show.
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