[Quick Summary: After the Germans burn down her jungle village, the only survivor, a missionary's sister, convinces a riverman to hunt down enemy's warship.]
*Sigh.*
I know I'm supposed to like this script, but I did not. I wish I did.
It's well crafted. There are stakes. The dialogue flows.
Yet, it didn't move me.
Well, except for the spark between Allnutt (Bogart) & Rose (Hepburn). Allnutt changes dramatically because of Rose. She's a strong female who doesn't fall into overused female stereotypes.
Guess what is her strongest tool? Her opinion of Allnutt. It's more effective than a sword.
ex. Rose has just dumped all Allnutt's precious gin into the jungle river. He is aghast.
ROSE: So you think it was your nasty drunkenness I mind.
A foolish, helpless gesture from Allnutt.
ALLNUTT (bewildered): Well --wot else?
ROSE: You lied to me.....You promised.
ALLNUTT (shouting): Well, I'm takin' my promise back!
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: To write a strong female character, make her a woman to be reckoned with.
The African Queen (1951)
by James Agee, John Huston & Peter Viertel
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