MovieChat Forums > Hatari! (1962) Discussion > Not One Of The Duke's Better Films

Not One Of The Duke's Better Films


This is hardly worth seeing once, much less numerous times. It's just another silly love story built around the African theme. The scenery and the music are exceptional, but nothing else is appealing. Duke seems way out of sorts, and he should be. Hatari is not really a John Wayne movie.

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Oh yes it is.dad and I had fond memories of watching this movie together. I still think of my dad when I watch it....miss my dad.

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Oh yes it is.dad and I had fond memories of watching this movie together. I still think of my dad when I watch it....miss my dad.

For me that's Big Jake it was my father's favorite John Wayne movie. However, my father and I both enjoyed Hatari, it's just a fun movie. I'm watching it right now and, it's still entertaining.

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Hi Johnboy,
I do understand what you're saying, if you're looking at it as a "duke" movie, you're right, it's not up to par with his westerns.

However, if you look at it as a comedy, which it is, it is very funny. The one liners are great, the action and scenery are great.

Taking into consideration that the actors are actually doing most of their own stunts. John Wayne had to do a voice over in certain scenes due to his language.

Personally, I think each character was well developed. Tho I have to admit that "brandy" did take some getting used to (for me).

The story was complete. The only true comedian in it was Red Buttons, so it was a bonus that everyone else was able to work the one liners. The made for good bantering between the characters.



Personally, I look at each movie as entertainment only.

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Completely disagree. This movie is one of his best, I think: it's about adventure, rugged individualism, getting the job done, and frankly, men being men (when that was still allowed.) It's everything a John Wayne movie should be.

The women were strong- one a professional photographer, the other an equal of the men she worked with- another strong Wayne movie trait.

It's simply a great character movie about a piece of time when people went out and did things that were exciting. Today's equivalent? Driving around looking for Pokie stops. That probably explains the non sequitur in today's climes.

..Joe

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This is probably my favorite John Wayne movie. The Duke is at the top of his game here, whether he's capturing dangerous animals, or playing befuddled romantic lead with Elsa Martinelli. I give him credit for trying to expand his image, and succeeding.

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The story is entertaining, the Duke and the other actors are good, the music score is memorable, the action scenes are great (and real--no CGI), and the scenery is spectacular. After watching this movie, I always am a little sad it's ending and I feel like I've been on an adventure with some fun, cool people. I think that makes it one of the Duke's better films.

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Duke showed some versatility in this film. A little of everything. I give him credit for it: he looked real he acted real. Not a cliché.

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