The Watusi dance scene at the end of the movie (which I first saw as a boy in Saturday matinees) is burned into my memory for all time. The haughty and virile elegance of the Watusi warriors, the hypnotic dancing, the sound of the horns, I could watch it over and over. I must admit to being guilty of racism - the Watusi look and move like a superior race of beings to everyone else in the movie!
shareAccording to a "making of" short I saw it was the first time they allowed themselves to be filmed.
Remember Rabbit Ears with tin foil?
True. Very graceful and elegant.
I think I read somewhere or saw on one of those 'about the movie' things that this was a very famous dance troup. Sorta like the national ballet of the Watusi.
I watched it again after at least 30 years and I was mesmerized by the lead dancer in red and his white headdress. It was almost like the dance was in slow motion, but it wasn't.
shareAfter the main troop with its lead dancer (well over 7 feet tall) came a group of adolescent boys in training to be warriors. Kind of Watusi Bar Mitzvah.
shareAccording to Leonard Maltin the 1959 sequel Watusi was made of leftover footage from King Solomon's Mines. I haven't seen it but I wonder if it includes any more dancing.
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