King Solomon's Mines (NR, 1950)

common sense media says

Dated classic has colonial racial views.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some children may be disturbed by the violence, and others may be upset by the scene in which Elizabeth Curtis admits that she did not love her husband, and that she is seeking him out of guilt rather than devotion.

Positive messages: The film is laden with colonial attitudes and racism. Though these aspects of the film were standard for  the period, it's because of them that the film hasn't aged well and seems outdated today. 
Violence: Some, including fights to the death with various weapons.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The bad guy drinks brandy.

More on King Solomon's Mines

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the outdated colonial views.

What's the story?

What's the story?

In KING SOLOMON'S MINES, Elizabeth Curtis (Deborah Kerr) hires the best "white hunter" in Africa (Stewart Granger as dashing Allan Quartermain) to help her find her husband, who was lost searching for the legendary King Solomon's diamond mines. At first, he refuses, saying that women have no place on safari. When she offers twenty times his usual fee, he accepts, but he remains skeptical about her motives and about her ability to survive the trip. In the traditional "road movie" fashion, they develop respect and affection through their adventures.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is the best of the many versions of the classic adventure novel by H. Rider Haggard. The story (and the performances) are a bit creaky, but it is an old-fashioned technicolor spectacular, with breathtaking and Oscar-winning cinematography. Filmed on location in Kenya, and the then- Tangynika and Belgian Congo, the out-takes from this movie were used in several other movies, including the otherwise poor 1977 remake. The footage of the landscapes and of the animals is strikingly clear and vivid, especially an unforgettable shot of a just-uncurling brand-new baby alligator and the scenes of the Watusi dancing.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Compton Bennett
Cast: Deborah Kerr, Richard Carlson, Stewart Granger
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: November 9, 1950
DVD release: January 11, 2005
MPAA Rating: NR

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age