Something of Value (1957)

Directed by Richard Brooks. Starring Rock Hudson, Sidney Poitier, Dana Wynter, Juano Hernández, Wendy Hiller, Robert Beatty, Joe Matson, Walter Fitzgerald.

Dramatization of the real life events of the Mau Mau revolution is earnest and well-intentioned, but lacks character depth and concedes too much ground to self-importance. In depicting the growing strife between childhood friends Hudson and Poitier, the larger story is given the formulaic “human interest” tag to help sort out the complicated politics into an emotional call-and-response. Brutal scenes of massacre are surprisingly potent considering the film’s age, and Poitier and Hernández (as one of the rebel leaders) are very good, but the other side of the conflict—saintly Hudson, hissable Matson, obligatory Wynter, etc.—is far less compelling and nuanced. Falls short of preachy, but this history lesson deserved a smarter, richer treatment; still worth watching for its grim action and the novelty value of Poitier playing an African as opposed to an African-American. Alternately titled Africa Ablaze.

60/100