A Good Man in Africa (1994)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

Bruce Beresford

Writers:

William Boyd (novel)
William Boyd (screenplay)

Release Date:

9 September 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Deep in the heart of Africa the British practice bizarre rituals.

Plot Keywords:

Doctor | Political Corruption | Satire | Golf | British Diplomat

Cast

Colin Friels	...	Morgan Leafy, 1st Secretary of the High Commissioner
Sean Connery	...	Dr. Alex Murray
John Lithgow	...	Arthur Fanshawe, British High Commissioner
Diana Rigg	...	Chloe Fanshawe
Louis Gossett Jr.	...	Prof. Sam Adekunle
Joanne Whalley	...	Celia Adekunle (as Joanne Whalley-Kilmer)
Sarah-Jane Fenton	...	Priscilla Fanshawe
Maynard Eziashi	...	Friday, Leafy's Houseman
Jeremy Crutchley	...	Dalmire
Jackie Mofokeng	...	Hazel, Leafy's Mistress
Daphne Greenwood	...	Duchess
Themba Ndaba	...	Kojo
David Phetoe	...	Isaiah
Dambuza Mdledle	...	Sonny, Hazel's Brother
Lillian Dube	...	Innocence, Maid who was struck by lightning

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

South Africa | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Netherlands:MG6 | Iceland:L | Philippines:R-18 | Finland:K-10 | Spain:T | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

South Africa

Company:

Capitol Films

Trivia:

Visa d'exploitation en France : # 86827.

Quotes:

Dr. Alex Murray: Show me the man who is completely content, and I'll show you the lobotomy scar.

Soundtrack:

Neo Abe Beto

Farcical

I have never read a William Boyd book but after having seen this movie, I have a mind to look out for them. A Good Man in Africa felt pretty much how I imagined a Tom Sharpe novel would appear on screen, farcical, riotous, uproarious and hilarious. Except there was something important missing in the film. There were a some very good scenes which showed up the farce to excellent effect. The unfortunate intervention of a tropical disease into the evening's entertainment, the unequal game of golf, the fitting for the Santa outfit, the corpse removal, the shower scene, the flight from disgruntled locals are just some examples of the farce. Friels' diplomat is at the heart of each embarrassment and he is charming in a very understated way, but he seems as bemused by his role as he is by events that unfurl around him.

Friels' supporting cast is also pretty mixed, John Lithgow, Diana Rigg and Sean Connery are amongst the best and they seem to have more fun than Friels does in his role and this is not just because Friels is hard done by as the 'put-upon' embassy attache. The belly laughs expected of a good farce do not materialise although there is plenty to chuckle about and think on. However, for the chuckles alone the film is well worth seeing, now let us see how the book compares.