CECIL RHODES
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Rhodes Of Africa
by Gaumont-British Picture Corporation
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While this may not be the greatest movie ever made it is the only one made on the life of Cecil Rhodes. Many recent "film reviewers"
have made their prejudices known when you read their reviews. So here I will include some film reviews of those reviewers who were
around at the time the film was released, and who were not so tainted with modern prejudices.
Perhaps the greatest screen characterization of all time is Walter Huston's sympathtic portrayal of Cecil Rhodes at the THEATRE ROYAL all next week. This imposing performance even is toned down by the colossal story on which this film was based. This is a story of a man who made a vital part of the Empire, and after whom a land was named. [Source: Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 01 August 1936. Pp 7] |
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For Friday and Saturday of this week the PLAZA is showing -RHODES OF AFRICA." Walter Huston excels himself in the name part Rhodes, the Empire builder, the man of sheer will who sets out single-handed to unite continent. The story of this tremendous work, his unbounded ambitions for his homeland, his diplomacy and courage, is told here with sincerity and conviction. [Source: Luton News and Bedfordshire Chronicle - Thursday 22 October 1936. Pp 7] |
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Rhodes of Africa,...has been described as one of the finest films ever turned out by British studio. It is more than that--it is an embodiment of the adventurous spirit which in the past built up England’s greatness and established her a leader among nations. In addition, it has one of the most thrilling stories ever seen on the screen, and holds the picture* goer’s absorbed attention from its opening the diamond fields of Kimberley the solemn scene on the hills of Matabcleland. where the hero of the tale laid to rest. For those to whom Africa merely a name, this picture will a revelation, for brings life the inherent romance of that vast country ami dramatises the events which preceded the Boer War. Out of the war rose the South Africa of to-day. united tinder British rule. Cecil Rhodes, digging for diamonds the newly opened mines of Kimberley, sees South Africa a country in which Britishers might make their homes. Wealth gold as well as diamond*—is there to had for the digging. The film tells how he works to achieve this ideal. First acquires wealth for his purpose by buying up mine holdings in the Kimberley fields. Tnen, with indomitable courage, pushes his way northwards, where gold is hidden in the Matabele plains and hills. goes to the old Mataoele native chief, and finds him surrounded his warriors their fantastic dress. With great tact. Rhodes persuades the old chief to grant him concessions of land. To this rich country come the British settlers, bringing with them civilization, commerce and education. Rhodes is made Minister of the Cape, but just when he at the height his power he makes the grave mistake supporting a revolt against I’aul Kruger. He is defeated, resigns his position, and few years afterwards dies, saddened but still courageous man. Many of the scenes of the South African plains are amazingly beautiful. For the sequences in which the Matahele chief appears, present chief of Matabeleland was brought over England. is nephew of the original king with whom Rhodes had dealings. Walter Huston’s portrayal of Rhodes is brilliant, the persuasive personality and the forcefnines* the pioneer being cleverly depicted. Another prominent character in the picture is Paul Kruger, role which is splendidly played by Oscar Homolka. Peggy Ashcroft is seen in the part Anne Carpenter, woman novelist of the period, who considerably affected Rhodes’life and action. [Source: Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 29 September 1936, pp 9] |
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Interesting to note that the part of LOBENGULA: The great Matabele chieftain, is taken in the film by his nephew, Ndaniso Kumalo. |
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| In a 1936 interview Walter Huston said this of the character he played.. I admire people of energy, of courage, those who have the capacity for work.” he said. The man who succeeds is the man who crashes Good Fortune: a man of Rhodes character could not help but succeed. He had the driving force which makes success, the same driving force as we find in all big men to-day." [Source: The Era - Wednesday 05 February 1936, pp 20 |
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The movie did have some difficulties are the time it came out also. The UK Foreign Office asked that part of the movie, showing incidents during the Matabele Wars, be removed. [Source: Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 10 October 1936, pp 9 |