Cast
View All
Clayton Moore
as Alan King
Phyllis Coates
as Carol Bryant
Johnny Sands
as Bert Hadley
Roy Glenn
as Naganto - Witch Doctor
John Cason
as Regas
Henry Rowland
as Kurgan
Steve Mitchell
as Gauss - Store Clerk
Bill Walker
as Chief Douanga
Don Blackman
as Ebola
Felix Nelson
as Nodala - Runner-Victim
Joel Fluellen
as Matambo, Native Searcher
William Washington
as Tembo, Friendly Native
Tom Steele
as Third Constable
Roy Engel
as First Constable
Crew
Director
- Fred C. Brannon
Writer
- Ronald Davidson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Jungle Drums of Africa distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Fred C. Brannon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jungle Drums of Africa took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 167 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 223 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 54 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jungle Drums of Africa shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Adventures of Kathlyn, which focuses more on action than character development, Jungle Drums of Africa subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd and Flying Disc Man from Mars explore similar territory, Jungle Drums of Africa stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 21, 1953
- Runtime: 2h 47m
- Budget: $167,758
