Africa Screams

Plot

Bookseller Buzz Johnson (Bud Abbott) and his friend Stanley Livington (Lou Costello) work at a bookstore where Stanley is an avid reader of adventure books. When wealthy socialite Diana Emerson (Hillary Brooke) overhears Stanley discussing his knowledge of Africa, she believes he's an expert and hires both men to lead an expedition. Unbeknownst to them, Diana is actually working with a dangerous criminal named Clyde Beatty (playing himself) to locate a lost African tribe that possesses priceless diamonds. After being abducted and taken to Africa, the bumbling duo must survive the jungle while dealing with wild animals, hostile tribes, and their own incompetence, all while trying to outwit the criminals and escape with their lives.

Historical Background

Released in 1950, 'Africa Screams' emerged during the early Cold War period when American audiences sought escapist entertainment. The post-war boom had increased movie attendance, and comedy-adventure films were particularly popular. The film reflected America's continued fascination with exotic locales and safari adventures, a theme that had been popular since the 1930s. This was also a transitional period for Hollywood, as studios were dealing with the aftermath of the 1948 Supreme Court decision that forced them to sell their theater chains. Abbott and Costello were at the peak of their popularity, having transitioned successfully from radio and stage to film, with this being one of their later Universal productions before moving to other studios.

Making Of

The production faced several challenges during filming, particularly with the animal sequences. Real lions and other wild animals were brought to the set, requiring extensive safety precautions. Clyde Beatty insisted on performing his own stunts with the lions, which caused some tension with the studio's insurance providers. The Three Stooges' cameo was filmed separately from the main production and edited into the film later. Abbott and Costello's classic routine 'Who's on First?' was briefly considered for inclusion but was cut to avoid repetition from their earlier films. The jungle set was so realistic that it reportedly scared some of the studio's wildlife handlers during initial setup.

Visual Style

The cinematography was handled by Charles Van Enger, who utilized the studio's jungle sets to create a convincing African atmosphere. The film employed a mix of traditional studio lighting techniques with high-contrast lighting to enhance the jungle sequences. Several scenes used process photography and rear projection to combine the actors with stock footage of real African landscapes and wildlife. The camera work during the comedy sequences followed the typical Abbott and Costello formula, with wider shots to capture their physical comedy and closer shots for their verbal exchanges. The animal sequences required special camera setups to ensure safety while maintaining dramatic tension.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking technically, 'Africa Screams' showcased Universal's expertise in blending studio sets with stock footage to create convincing exotic locations. The film's animal sequences demonstrated advanced techniques for safely filming with dangerous predators. The seamless integration of the Three Stooges' cameo footage was technically impressive for the time. The production also utilized Universal's improved sound recording equipment to capture clearer dialogue during the outdoor jungle scenes, a notable improvement over earlier adventure films. The film's special effects, while modest, effectively enhanced the comedy sequences without overshadowing the performances.

Music

The musical score was composed by Frank Skinner, Universal's house composer who worked on many Abbott and Costello films. The music featured typical adventure-comedy motifs, with African-inspired percussion and brass themes during the jungle sequences. Several popular songs of the era were incorporated as background music, though no original songs were written specifically for the film. The sound design emphasized the comedy with exaggerated sound effects for slapstick moments and authentic animal sounds during the jungle scenes. The audio mixing balanced the team's rapid-fire dialogue with the musical score and ambient jungle sounds.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening bookstore scene where Stanley's encyclopedic knowledge of Africa (from books) convinces Diana he's an expert explorer
• The chaotic jungle trek where Abbott and Costello encounter various wild animals and react with their classic slapstick comedy
• The lion-taming sequence with Clyde Beatty where Costello accidentally gets in the cage with the lions
• The Three Stooges' cameo as chimpanzee trainers, creating a rare meeting of two legendary comedy teams
• The final chase scene through the jungle set with the entire cast running from both animals and criminals

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics gave 'Africa Screams' mixed to positive reviews, with most acknowledging it as typical Abbott and Costello fare that delivered what their fans expected. The New York Times praised the team's chemistry but noted the formula was becoming familiar. Variety called it 'a laugh-packed romp' that would please their established audience. Modern critics have viewed the film more critically, noting its dated cultural stereotypes but acknowledging its historical value as an example of post-war American comedy. Some film historians consider it one of the team's better later Universal productions, though not as memorable as their earlier classics like 'Hold That Ghost' or 'Pardon My Sarong.'

What Audiences Thought

The film was a moderate box office success, earning approximately $1.2 million against its $650,000 budget. Abbott and Costello's loyal fanbase turned out in good numbers, particularly in urban areas where their style of comedy remained popular. Audience reaction was generally positive, with many considering it a solid entry in the team's filmography. The film performed well in second-run theaters and drive-ins, which were becoming increasingly popular in 1950. However, some audience members noted that the formula was becoming repetitive, and the film didn't match the team's earlier box office successes. The movie has since developed a cult following among classic comedy enthusiasts.

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