Themes: Race Relations, Political Unrest, Colonialism
Main Cast: Rock Hudson, Dana Wynter, Wendy Hiller, Sidney Poitier, Juano Hernandez
Release Year: 1957
Country: US
Run Time: 113 minutes
Plot
The literalism of writer-director Richard Brooks serves him well in this meticulously faithful adaptation of the Robert Ruark novel Something of Value. Filmed on location in Africa, this is the story of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, as seen through the eyes of a handful of protagonists. Virtually alone in a sea of racist British colonialism, gentleman farmer Peter McKenzie (Rock Hudson) strives to understand the demands of freedom and equality made by Kenya's black population in particular and his childhood friend Kimani (Sidney Poitier) in particular. Ultimately, however, McKenzie and Kimani find themselves on opposite sides of the fence when the latter aligns himself with the Mau Mau. Without advocating the terrorism of this controversial movement, the screenplay is careful to deal the ongoing iniquities and frustrations that forced men like Kimani to take arms against their white brethren. There were a few theatres in the American south who, feeling that the racial tensions inherent in Something of Value hit too close to home, refused to book this fascinating, thought-provoking, often startlingly brutal film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Something of Value is an earnest, well-meaning film that, while not lacking in power, ultimately emerges as only half successful. The fimmakers should be lauded for tackling a difficult issue and trying to explore the viewpoints of all sides without (in most cases) resorting to clichés and stereotypical caricatures. Unfortunately, this doesn't extend to the lead white character (played by Rock Hudson). The character as written is not as fully fleshed out as others in the cast (notably that of Sidney Poitier), and he becomes the "noble white man" mouthpiece. For that matter, Poitier has to be the "noble black man" mouthpiece, but there are more shadings to his character, and Poitier's superior acting skills help to make up for deficiencies in the writing. Hudson's work is not bad, but the role requires a performance that is galvanizing and capable of anchoring the film, and this Hudson does not supply that. Fortunately, the rest of the cast ranges from very good to exceptional, and while the film as a whole just misses the mark, there are many memorable and potent moments. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Robert Beatty - Jeff Newton; Walter Fitzgerald - Henry McKenzie; Michael Pate - Joe Matson; Ivan Dixon - Lathela; Ken Renard - Karanja; Samadu Jackson - Witch Doctor; Frederick O'Neal - Adam Marenga; Barry Bernard - Superintendent; Naaman Brown - Hand Clerk; Leslie Denison - Crown Consul; Kim Hamilton - Kipi's Wife; Ike Jones - Askari; Bruce Lister - Doctor; Lester Matthews - Game Warden; Paulene Myers - Kikuyu Woman; Ottola Nesmith - Nurse; Duncan Richardson - Little Jeff; Morgan Roberts - Chief Hings; Mme. Sul Te Wan - Midwife; Paul Thompson - Kipi; William Marshall - Leader; Wesley Bly - Night Clerk; Carl Christian - Cook; Robert Anderson - Mr. Barker the Client
The movie, based on the book of the same name, portrays the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. It shows the colonial and native African conflict caused by colonialism and differing views on how life should be lived. It stars Rock Hudson as the colonial and Sidney Poitier as the native Kenyan. The two men grew up together but have drifted apart at maturity.
