Stanley and Livingstone

Stanley and Livingstone
1939


Starring:
Spencer Tracy as Henry M. Stanley
Cedric Hardwicke as Dr. David Livingstone
Lesser Roles:
Nancy Kelly as Eve Kingsley
Richard Greene as Gareth Tyce
Walter Brennan as Jeff Slocum
Charles Coburn as Lord Tyce
Henry Hull as James Gordon Bennet, Jr.
Henry Travers as James Kingsley
Hassan Said as Hassan


approx. 101 minutes


This is the story of Henry M. Stanley, a reporter for the New York Herald, who was sent to find Dr. David Livingstone in 1870. Livingstone had been reported dead by the London Globe, but it was without evidence. James G. Bennet wanted Livingstone to be found alive or proven dead by Stanley. Thus begins his journey deep into the heart of Africa. He travels to Zanzibar, and from there on into Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
What was nice was that this part of the movie was filmed in Africa, not on a fake-looking set.
Stanley and his team travel past antelope, lions, giraffes, and hippos, and are even attacked by some not-so-friendly natives!
When the reporter finally finds Dr. David Livingstone, he is living happily in a small village with the Africans. Livingstone has taught them some English, at least enough to sing some hymns, and is a 'circuit preacher,' traveling a hundred mile-circuit to spread the gospel.
Well, now that he has found Livingstone, how is Stanley to prove he is alive, especially since Livingstone refuses to leave? I guess you'll find out when you watch the movie.


We watched this yesterday afternoon for history class. I really enjoyed watching the trek through the real African wilderness, with the animals in the background. The movie remains somewhat true-to-life, with just a few minor deviations.


The DVD is available HERE for $14.95, but is not on TCM or Netflix.


Enjoy your Safari!
~Kiwifruit