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Parents' Guide to

King Solomon's Mines

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Dated classic has colonial racial views.

Movie NR 1950 103 minutes
King Solomon's Mines Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

barbdwar
barbdwar Adult
June 1, 2020
age 9+
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the outdated colonial views.

Movie Details

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