King Solomon's Mines (The 30's Version)

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

Runtime: 80 minutes

Directed by: Robert Stevenson… and Geoffrey Barkas

Starring: Paul Robeson, Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young, John Loder, Anna Lee

From: Gaumont British Picture Corporation

I’m fulfilling requests here and clearing space off the DVR. Last summer I saw and reviewed the 1950 King Solomon’s Mines, which was a favorite of my late mother. It was a tale I enjoyed; long before that I saw the cheesy movie of the same name from the 80’s which I didn’t enjoy as much. More than one person brought this up as a movie to see; in addition, the film starring the great Black entertainer Paul Robeson was another draw, so when this played on TCM a few weeks ago, it was recorded. By my standards of waiting months to year to watch something I’m in possession of or recorded… I wasted nary a minute.

From other reviews, I understand that for as entertaining as the ’50 movie was, this rendition was more accurate to the H. Rider Haggard book in having a Black hero, portrayed here by Robeson. I do wish the print looked brighter/better. That said, as the movie was feared lost for years… it’s the familiar tale of a young lady’s father looking for a diamond mine and vanishing. Young lady Kathy O’Brien and a group of people (including Robeson and Allan Quartermain… yes, this is one of those adaptations that call him that instead of Quatermain) go through the desert, climb some mountains, etc. while Paul sings some songs as the producers probably felt obliged to when they cast a famous singer.

In hindsight, this should have been watched on April 8th; you see, a key plot point involves a solar eclipse… regrettably, the first two acts felt rather drab and this was compounded by (IMO) a Quartermain that was not only a wet blanket, but not that thrilling either. The blame isn’t being put on the shoulders of Cedric Hardwicke, who brought this version of Allan to life. It was a relief then that the focus was more on the fiery Kathy (portrayed by Anna Lee) than Quartermain.

The first two acts are best described by me as “drab.” Thankfully, business picked up in the final act between time spent w/ an African tribe-as stereotypical as they may be and the climax in the caves… action beats throughout that act that could be quite thrilling at times. The cast as a whole is fine but truthfully, Robeson is the highlight and elevates this B movie. The 1985 Cannon movie is more memorable due to campiness and the 1950 picture is the best overall but at least Old Paul got a plum role in an adventure flick.