Flawed but...

Once this was one of my favorite movies. I haven't seen it in decades and maybe when I do it won't be the same. But I have nothing but fond memories of it.

Trevor Howard shines and Errol Flynn scintillates and Orson Welles' brief cameo adds some comic relief. The Howard character Morel is on a mission and has, like a lot of animal rescuers, more sympathy for the elephants than he has for humans. He is willing to be used by some questionable groups if it means progress for his cause though it might mean misery for certain people.

The appeal of Morel's earnest effort to save the African elephant redeems a number of individuals heretofore lost to cynicism and even despair (characters played by Flynn, Juliette Greco and Eddie Albert.)

There are flaws, some false notes near the end and along the way but then there is Howard's portrayal of Morel. Film may be a director's medium but this damn movie was elevated and redeemed by an actor, Trevor Howard.