King Solomon's Mines

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King Solomon's Mines

1937

1h 20m

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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9 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Kathy's (Anna Lee) father is intrigued by the stories Umbopa (Paul Robeson), a man they meet on their way to the South African coast, tells them about Solomon's diamond mines. So, he steals away in the night, leaving Kathy with a group of relative strangers. To find her father, Kathy enlists the help of hunter Allan Quatermain (Cedric Hardwicke) for a journey to the mines, where they are met with some less than hospitable natives -- who do not plan on making their task any easier.

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

Dated [but] still of interest… production values and special effects are impressive for the period… makes good use of authentic African locations and performers.

Rated: B-

Apr 4, 2005

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Thanks to brilliant handling, superb acting and an authentic background filmed in Zululand, King Solomon's Mines is the sort of thriller which manages to be wildly incredible and perfectly believable at the same time.

Oct 9, 2019

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MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

The film is remarkable for admirable production qualities and outstanding technical work. The impressive climax of the volcanic eruption is staged with great skill and realism.

Feb 22, 2017

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A witty script.

Rated: B+

Jul 30, 2009

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jul 1, 2005

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Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan

Fascinating to compare this with more famous remake.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 5, 2005

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Dennis B

Enjoyable movie with some very old footage of African tribes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

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Leaburn O

Pretty dirge version of this tall take. Tries to sell itself based on Paul Robeson’s voice. Trouble is that his songs are repetitive, tiring and pointless. The Irish accent on Miss O’Brien was also woeful. It is mercifully short though so I could just about get through it. Watched on DVD.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

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Audience Member

A rousing adventure yarn in search of Solomon's Lost Treasure--The Granddaddy of Indiana Jones!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

It's hard to know what was crappier..the movie or the book that doesn't resemble it but isn't any bit better. A complete waste of time.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

Some elements are certainly disagreeable with today's audience, particularly Paul Robeson's character's out of place singing antics. Nevertheless, this is an almost perfectly balanced adventure film, backed up by excellent production values that make it look stunning.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

Dated [but] still of interest... production values and special effects are impressive for the period... makes good use of authentic African locations and performers.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Robert Stevenson

Director

Paul Robeson

Umbopa

Cedric Hardwicke

Allan Quatermain

Anna Lee

Kathleen "Kathy" O'Brien

Roland Young

Cmdr. John Good

John Loder

Sir Henry Curtis

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Synopsis

Kathy's (Anna Lee) father is intrigued by the stories Umbopa (Paul Robeson), a man they meet on their way to the South African coast, tells them about Solomon's diamond mines. So, he steals away in the night, leaving Kathy with a group of relative strangers. To find her father, Kathy enlists the help of hunter Allan Quatermain (Cedric Hardwicke) for a journey to the mines, where they are met with some less than hospitable natives -- who do not plan on making their task any easier.

Director: Robert Stevenson
Screenwriter: Charles Bennett, Michael Hogan, Roland Pertwee
Production Co: Gaumont British Picture Corporation Ltd.
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 2, 1937, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 9, 2016
Runtime: 1h 20m

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