Cast
View All
Alberto Sordi
as Fausto Di Salvio
Bernard Blier
as Ubaldo Palmarini
Nino Manfredi
as Oreste Sabatini
Giuliana Lojodice
as Marisa Sabatini
Franca Bettoia
as Rita Di Salvio
Manuel Zarzo
as Padre Tomeo
Erika Blanc
as Geneviève
José María Mendoza
as Il Leopardo
Vittorio André
as Père Francesco
Roberto De Simone
as Padre Cerioni
Claude De Solms
as Florinda - la colona
Ramiro Duogo
as Il meccanico
Ivo Sebastianelli
as Campi Benedetto, il camionista canterino
Crew
Director
- Ettore Scola
Producer
- Gianni Hecht Lucari
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Will Our Heroes Be Able to Find Their Friend Who Has Mysteriously Disappeared in Africa? represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Ettore Scola 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 1968, 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 Will Our Heroes Be Able to Find Their Friend Who Has Mysteriously Disappeared in Africa? took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 187 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Will Our Heroes Be Able to Find Their Friend Who Has Mysteriously Disappeared in 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 Professional, which focuses more on action than character development, Will Our Heroes Be Able to Find Their Friend Who Has Mysteriously Disappeared in Africa? offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The African Queen and Shaft in Africa explore similar territory, Will Our Heroes Be Able to Find Their Friend Who Has Mysteriously Disappeared in 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: December 19, 1968
- Runtime: 2h 10m
