DVD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KRNGOA?ie=UTF8&tag=doc06-20&link... http://thefilmarchived.blogspot.com/
Sanders of the River is a 1935 film directed by Zoltán Korda, based on the stories of Edgar Wallace. It was later spoofed in the 1938 Will Hay film Old Bones of the River, which also featured the characters of Commissioner Sanders, Captain Hamilton and Bosambo seen in this film, but played by different actors.
The story describes how a British colonial District Officer in 1930's Nigeria tries to rule his province fairly. He struggles against gun-runners and slavers and enlists the support of a native chieftain.
The African-American entertainer and athlete, Paul Robeson accepted the role of Bosambo during a time when he was living in London and was engaged in deep explorations of the roots of African culture through studies of language and music. He felt that if he could portray the African leader, Bosambo, with cultural accuracy and dignity, he could help audiences—especially Black audiences—to understand and respect the roots of Black culture. The filmmakers even took an unusual step towards authenticity by sending a film crew on a four-month voyage into remote areas of Africa to record traditional African dances and ceremonies. These would be interwoven with the studio scenes.
After the filming, Robeson was asked back to the studio for retakes of some scenes. He discovered that the film's message had been changed during editing; it seemed to justify imperialism and upholding the 'White Man's Burden'; the finished film is dedicated to "the handful of white men whose everyday work is an unsung saga of courage and efficiency." Bosambo was changed from an African leader to a servile lackey of British colonial rule. Robeson was furious and complained: "The imperialist plot had been placed in the plot during the last days five days of shooting...I was roped into the picture because I wanted to portray the culture of the African people and I committed a faux pas which convinced me that I had failed to weigh the problems of 150,000,000 native Africans...I hate the picture." In 1938, Robeson also added disparagingly; "It is the only film of mine that can be shown in Italy or Germany, for it shows the negro as Fascist states desire him - savage and childish."
Paul Robeson was so disillusioned by the picture that he attempted, but failed, to buy back all the prints to prevent it from being ever shown.
Cast * Leslie Banks - Commissioner R.G. Sanders * Paul Robeson - Bosambo * Nina Mae McKinney - Lilongo * Martin Walker - J. Ferguson * Robert Cochran - Lieutenant Tibbets (as Robert Cochrane) * Richard Grey - Captain Hamilton * Tony Wane - King Mofolaba * Marqués De Portago - Farini * Eric Maturin - Smith * Allan Jeayes - Father O'Leary * Charles Carson - Sir John * Jomo Kenyatta - Tribal Leader
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And Then There Were None (1945) FULL MOVIEby ArtFilmsAnimation24,089 views
not seen this film for 50 yrs,,and then only once as a small boy,,,it has haunted my memory all these years,,found the "canoe song" tonight and listened with fond memories,,, and then stumbled on the link to the film by accident,,, eat your heart "sky movies" this is one classic thats too good for you,,, wish i had a copy of it to watch on the big tele,,,lol
68justjim 2 months ago
A trailblazer! Nina Mae McKinney: The Black Garbo by Stephen Bourne has just been published by BearManor Media. This is the first biography of one of Hollywood's most talented & charismatic stars.
TheAdelaidehall 5 months ago
I watched this with my Mother tonight. She last saw it in1952.The music, Paul Robesen and the canoe scenes were the vivid recolection that got us looking for the film again.
bludger43 5 months ago
Paul Robeson spent his life advocating equality, brotherhood and friendship. This film epitomises racism at its worst yet Paul Robeson injects his philosophy and the ending is a glorious panoply of humanity.
ronneesam 6 months ago
Paul Robeson's voice is the envy of all basses. The resonance is powerful enough to make the chair you sit in shudder yet displays tenderness and gentility. His presence and charisma raises this film to the classics.
ronneesam 6 months ago
I first saw this movie when I was a small child and have always loved the singing from it.
rosetta110 10 months ago
No Mas ! Bought to America but not 2011 ...
lybo5646b 1 year ago