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Parents' Guide to

The African Queen

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Hepburn and Bogart shine in odd-couple adventure.

Movie NR 1952 105 minutes
The African Queen Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 5 parent reviews

calebcourtney
calebcourtney Adult
January 24, 2016
age 10+

May be good transition for older movies for kids.

This is not much of a review, but what happened when I showed it to my 10 year old cousin. First, let it be known that I am a huge history buff, and like to see younger people (I am 20, so by younger I mean 10-18 year olds) As an amateur historian, I have a bad habit of spewing off random facts about this period or the other, but while i was staying with my uncle and his son for a few months, my 10 year old cousin seemed to be fairly interested in my world war 1 facts. My uncle had the African Queen on dvd, so I figured he might get a kick out of it. I kind of expected him to be bored, but he was very into it. He asked my questions like "why are the Germans the bad guys" and "what does a missionary do" and how does a steam boat work." I liked answering his questions and teaching him about the general idea of war, and that the Germans were not evil, but they were fighting for there country. I also, was pleased that he took an interest in how the steamboat worked, so I fed his mind with some basic info on engines, and he got all of it. And, after we finished this movie, he asked if i had another to watch. I watched another timeless classic "the Grapes of Wrath" and taught him about the points of that movie, and that even though ti may be an old movie, it doesn't mean it is bad. Hope this helps someone, even though it is not a real "review".
MovieLover4Lyfe
MovieLover4Lyfe Adult
October 6, 2010
age 12+
Personally I think this is John Huston's best film. Beautifully made and with superb acting! A must see for anyone 12 and over!
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) and her brother Samuel are English missionaries in 1914 German East Africa. Their rare contact with the outside world is through Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart), who delivers their mail on his steam-powered boat, the African Queen. When Samuel is killed in a German attack, Charlie takes Rose with him. At first, they are stiffly polite to each other. Then, Rose decides that they must use their explosives to blow up the powerful German gunboat, the Louisa. Charlie thinks she's crazy and they clash. He steers into the rapids to show her how dangerous the river is, but she's thrilled by the experience. Charmed by her enthusiasm and praise, Charlie still insists that they can't possibly attack the Louisa, and yet she persists. Will the pair try to destroy the German boat, and if so, will they survive the dangerous mission? And will their attraction and admiration for one another continue to grow?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (6 ):

THE AFRICAN QUEEN is one of the finest and most satisfying of the "odd couple takes a trip together" genre. Rose and Charlie are opposites, and yet they are perfectly suited to each other. Ultimately, Rose isn't comfortable "rising above" nature, and indeed grows to love it, as she gives up some of the strictures of civilization and appreciates the beauty and "stimulation" of the natural world. Charlie learns to appreciate some of the beauties of civilization; to take the challenge and the responsibility of participating in the fight against the Germans, to have a relationship of trust and tenderness.

Humphrey Bogart won a well-deserved Oscar for this performance. Katharine Hepburn, who was also nominated, said that her performance was based on director John Huston's suggestion that she play Rose as Eleanor Roosevelt. (Compare this performance to her appearance in Pat and Mike a year later, in which she played a world-class athlete.) This movie is based on a novel of the same name by C.S. Forester, but the romance was added by screenwriters James Agee and John Huston.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reason that German troops were in Africa in the 1900s. Where could you learn more about the history portrayed here?

  • Families can also talk about what makes a compelling love story. Is the "opposites attract" premise just more fun? Do you prefer stories of first love, or is it more compelling with more mature characters? Why?

  • How are Black African characters presented in a stereotypical manner in this movie?

Movie Details

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