Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

Ezmae Chang This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

malcolmgsw 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.

Leofwine_draca 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.

Richie-67-485852 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

thinker1691 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. ****