Movie #123- "The African Queen" (1951)

"The African Queen" relies basically on one thing; the chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.   Given the nature of the script, if that element fails, the entire film sinks with them.  "The African Queen" rests solely on their seasoned shoulders and thankfully, the two have chemistry in spades.
This concept of a traveling, mismatched couple wasn't a new idea.  The surroundings and danger may have been different, but at its core, it's about the relationship between Bogart's surly, unkempt sea captain and Hepburn's proper, uptight missionary.  You know the end result result before the two even set foot on the boat, but the dance leading to the romance is fun to watch unfold.  SPOILER ALERT:  Honestly, "The African Queen" really didn't need any other characters (granted, they did need an excuse to get them on the river) or the grand conclusion of the sinking of a Nazi ship to be a pleasurable experience (although I understand the need to give Bogart's captain some vindication and make him a hero). Just get Bogart and Hepburn on that boat, and let them spar for nearly two hours.
Director John Huston does an excellent job in providing two varied scopes of the trip.  First, he gives us the claustrophobic view of two people navigating down a wide river on a small boat.  But he also provides us with the majesty that is Africa, complete with exotic views of the wildlife.
This is the kind of "opposites attract" romance Hollywood consistently attempts, but rarely seems to get right.  Here, you get two veteran, accomplished actors showing how it's done with grace and ease.

Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 117