Mogambo
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Movie Reviews of Mogambo
Movie Review: The King's last roar for Leo
Summary: 3 Stars
Mogambo sees the King ending his reign at MGM with a solid, albeit heavily reworked, remake of Red Dust. This time round Gable's a great white hunter in Africa trapping animals for zoos and circuses, but the mixture is much the same as before, albeit shot on location with a little less spice. Ava in the shower doesn't generate the heat of Harlow in a barrel, but at least she's the real deal compared to Grace Kelly's mannered turn as a rather unappealing bad tempered wimp (maybe he just has a thing for faux posh totty?). John Ford's direction is curiously anonymous: without his screen credit, I'd never have guessed he was the director in a million years. If anything, it feels more like a middling Richard Thorpe or Jack Conway film, but either way it's pure MGM all the way- a well-cooked steak, but no sizzle.
The transfer is good, though there are a few inconsistencies due to the master material available. The only extra is the enjoyably over the top original theatrical trailer.
Movie Review: Stick With Red Dust
Summary: 2 Stars
Mogambo is an inferior re-make of the 1932 film Red Dust starring Clark Gable in the role he reprised here. Taking Mary Astor's place as the wife of an anthropologist (Donald Sinden) is Grace Kelly and replacing sexy Jean Harlow as a loose visitor is Ava Gardner. The film is set in the wild of Africa where animals roam free. Gable is a trapper who craves danger and shuns too much civility. However, he is transformed by the beautiful visitor despite the fact that she has a husband, and she becomes smitten with him. Feeling used and disposed of, Gardner wisecracks constantly about the chemistry between the two, and is hurt by their relationship.
This film is much longer than the original version and there is absolutely no chemistry between the cast. Kelly seems wooden and bored with the part and walks through it with a stuffy grace that is hard to be endeared to. Gardner tries hard, but she's more annoying than fun. She also has a hard face which makes her less attractive than the part calls for; her personality does not make up for this. Gable is the best, but even he lacks energy. He hardly emotes anything and his few bursts of feeling seem forced.
Even the scenery cannot save the film. It is a chore to sit through.