Released in 1953, and directed by the legendary John Ford, Mogambo is often remembered as the film that made Grace Kelly a star. It had all happened quite by accident; Grace took the role only after Gene Tierney was forced to bow out due to ill health. Shot on location in Central Africa, the soundtrack consists almost entirely of traditional music recorded in the Congo.
A box office hit, Mogambo a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, and was nominated for two Oscars: Ava Gardner for Best Actress, and Grace Kelly for Best Supporting actress.
Victor Marswell (Clark Gable) owns a big game company in Africa. Eloise Y. “Honey Bear” Kelly (Gardner) arrives via riverboat expecting to meet a rich acquaintance, only to find she’s been dumped. Despite constant sparring between Eloise and Victor, it’s quickly apparent there’s an attraction between the two. The boat returns, delivering Donald Nordley (Donald Sinden) and his wife Linda (Kelly), who are anxious to film gorillas on safari. Linda, no longer attracted to her husband, takes an immediate liking to Victor, putting him at the center of a love triangle.
A remake of Gable’s 1932 film Red Dust, which had secured his title as the “King of Hollywood.” More than twenty years later, Mogambo benefits from shooting on location, which offers vivid color and a real sense of action. Clark does fine as Victor, but it’s Ava Gardner who steals the show. Her character “Honey Bear” is never boring. She gets to feed baby rhino’s and play with Baby elephants. In contrast, Kelly’s Linda is flighty, and runs screaming from any animal, no matter how cuddly. That said, she looks great doing it.
Presented in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Warner Archive has delivered another excellent 1080p transfer. Colors are vivid, making the African locations a real standout. Blacks are inky, and contrast is strong. The print is clean, free of any scratches or other anomalies.
The English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track serves the film well. The traditional music sounds natural, and full. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- M-G-M Tom and Jerry Cartoon “Just Ducky”
- M-G-M Fitzpatrick Traveltalks Short “Land of the Ugly Duckling.”
- Original Theatrical Trailer