Overview
A thrilling safari adventure where love and rivalry intertwine amidst the wild.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- glamorous
- witty
- sardonic
- classic cinema night
- romantic drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an entertaining, star-powered adventure romance whose strongest appeal lies in its romantic maneuvering, performances, and handsome African locations more than its wildlife action.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Victor Marswell, Eloise Kelly, Linda Nordley, and Donald Nordley form the film's central web of competing attractions and marital dissatisfaction.
The Kenyan game-trapping camp, gorilla expedition, and African bush are framed through MGM's colorful star-centered production style.
Victor Marswell's control over the trapping operation and his magnetic relationships with both women make him the emotional center.
The characters negotiate attraction, jealousy, and marital dissatisfaction within the restrained conventions of an approved 1950s Hollywood production.
Films like Mogambo, and why
Red Dust
shared classic Hollywood romance, romantic rivalry, and star-driven emotional maneuvering
The African Queen
shared African safari setting, adventure drama, and charged romantic triangle
King Solomon's Mines
shared exotic-location adventure, sexual tension, and glamorous studio-era romance
The Bridges at Toko-Ri
shared unhappy marriage, forbidden attraction, and restrained mid-century romantic drama
Movie Details
- Director
- John Ford
- Release Date
- 1953-09-23
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (181)
Cast
- Clark Gable
- Ava Gardner
- Grace Kelly
- Donald Sinden
- Philip Stainton
- Eric Pohlmann
- Laurence Naismith
- Denis O'Dea
- Bruce Seton
- Asa Etula
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mogambo about?
- In Kenya's untamed bush, a commanding big-game trapper becomes the focus of a volatile romantic contest between two very different women.
- What is Mogambo like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mogambo as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Mogambo violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Mogambo as mild.
- What did critics think of Mogambo?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an entertaining, star-powered adventure romance whose strongest appeal lies in its romantic maneuvering, performances, and handsome African locations more than its wildlife action.
- Which films are like Mogambo?
- Films with a similar feel include Red Dust, The African Queen, King Solomon's Mines, and The Bridges at Toko-Ri.
- How long is Mogambo?
- Mogambo runs 116 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mogambo?
- In United States, Mogambo is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
