PodBill Just what I expected

FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

MusicChat It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Martin Bradley Terrible! The 1950 version feels like a masterpiece when set beside this 1937 screen version of H. Rider Haggard's adventure novel "King Solomon's Mines". This alternates between the studio and actual African locations. The studio stuff is credited to Robert Stevenson while Geoffrey Barkas did the location work and the lack-lustre cast features Cedric Hardwicke, whose 'greatness' as an actor I've never been able to figure out, as Allan Quartermain. Roland Young, John Loder, Anna Lee, (dreadful), and Paul Robeson who gets top billing, (as Umbopa), as well as a song or two or three, (it wouldn't be a proper Paul Robeson picture without a few songs). It's probably no more offensive than other films of the period but it still leaves a pretty bad taste in the mouth. No-one's finest hour.

malcolmgsw At the time this film was made Gaumont British were really pushing the boat out in an attempt to break the American market.Sadly they failed and became insolvent in the recession of 1938,allowing Rank to buy their assets.The film has a strong cast,not least,Paul Robeson,who had to come to England to get top billing.Whilst the production may look dated now,it was state of the art at the time.Sydney Fairbrothers performance must be the most chilling committed to film.

Desertman84 King Solomon's Mines is a British adventure film that was the first of five film adaptations of the 1885 novel of the same title by Henry Rider Haggard.It stars Paul Robeson, Cedric Hardwicke, Anna Lee, John Loder and Roland Young.This 1937 film is about the events that happen when an expedition was organized by Anna Lee to locate her father who disappeared in the wilderness of Africa while searching for King Solomon's mines,a well-known legendary diamond repository.Added to the plot is how Alan Quatermaine and his troupe has managed to locate it.No question about it that the film has been more than 75 years ago.It was obviously dated particularly the special effects and production values as compared with today's films and especially the remakes that were made after it.But compared with those recent remakes,this version remains closest to the version of the novel and arguably remains the best among them.If one is able to get a copy of it,it will definitely be worth watching.

Ron Oliver In darkest Africa, so legends say, lies the secret location of KING SOLOMON'S MINES, a great mountain full of heaps of diamonds. Surrounded by a seemingly impassable desert, it is said no white man has ever set foot there. Africa's greatest hunter & guide, Allan Quartermain, does not believe the mines exist, but he is forced against his better judgment to lead a small party over the desert ... and right into a fierce tribal civil war. This is a very fine adventure film, with much to recommend it. Plenty of excitement, a little romance, and a few well-sung songs help push the plot along. Footage shot in Africa enhance the atmosphere of this Gaumont-British film.Sir Cedric Hardwicke is a sturdy, stoic Quartermain, just the sort of no-nonsense fellow you would want guiding your expedition. American opera star Paul Robeson has marvelous presence as a mysterious native who seems to know a bit too much about the lands they are seeking. Arthur Sinclair & Anna Lee are the two Irish treasure seekers who spark much of the action. John Loder & Roland Young (very droll) nicely play the two English chaps who finance the trek. Robert Adams is the nasty tribal usurper who gets in their way.Strangely receiving no screen credit, stage actress Sydney Fairbrother is nothing short of terrific as the ancient, filthy witch doctor Gagool, `older than the memory of the oldest man.' The scene in which she stalks about, calmly choosing those to instantly die, is a classic of mounting terror.Mr. Robeson uses his magnificent voice in three songs: `Walk! Walk!', `Climbin' Up' & `Kukuwana'.