Review of Sanders of the River

Zoltan Korda made quite a few exotic films in his days, usually produced by his mogul brother Alexander Korda, and usually very flattering of the British Empire. Among Zoltan Korda's films especially "Elephant Boy" and "The Jungle Book" with Sabu should be noted, both Kipling stories, but "Sanders of the River" by the great journalist Edgar Wallace, who worked himself strenuously to death far too early, is almost on par with them, mainly because of Paul Robeson's magnificent appearance as commissioner Sanders' most reliable governor. What stands out from the film making it memorable are all the sumptuous spectacles with the natives, either in war dances, horrible death threats, or gorgeous voyages by canoes on the river. Music is actually dominating the film, usually led by Paul Robeson, but also Nina Mae McKinney with her beauty adds to the musical charm with her children with Paul Robeson. Like "King Solomon's Mines" later on, also with Paul Robeson, the film provides a fantastic exhibition of Africa with all its wildlife, and it's worth watching just for the great panoramic shots by air or by boat. The story is debatable, but this is actually how colonialism worked in the 30s, and whatever you may think of it, it actually worked.