Kongo was a disappointing movie. I really preferred the original West of Zanzibar ( proving once again 99% ( or more) originals are superior to remakes. What is wrong? Let's start with Lupe Vélez ( Tula). She disappeared half way through the movie and does not pop up again until the final five minutes and you never find out what happens to her. Virginia Bruce ( Ann) really does nothing except be a "Damsel In Distress" She is not even pretty until the end. Walter Huston ( "Deadlegs" Flint) is by far the best one in the film and he cannot top Lon Chaney Senior in the original. While Kongo is listed as a horror film ( more so then West of Zanzibar ( despite the presence of Chaney and Director Tod Browning)), it really is not. Finally last but certainly not least, the natives are not nearly as menacing as those in Black Moon ( wanting to kill a small child). I say 5/10 stars. All for Huston who spoilers ahead: Goes from the villain to the hero, sacrificing himself for Ann Tula and Ann's eventual husband Doc Kingsland ( Conrad Nagel) when he finds out Ann is his daughter.
Review of Kongo
