King Solomon's Mines [DVD]

While over eighty years old and in black and white, this is a gem of a movie. Acting is great and the actors extremely talented. An extra bonus is the treat of hearing the great Paul Robeson sing. If this is bothersome to some reviewers, I guess they just don't know who he was. If you appreciate a well-crafted movie, you will enjoy this!

The product arrived quickly and was in excellent condition, as promised. I don't imagine many people today who view this version of the H. Rider Haggard classic about Allan Quatermain's search for the lost diamond mines of King Solomon will enjoy it, because it is in B&W and has an African King who sings a lot. It is, though, the closest movie version of HRH's story ever made. Hollywood wasn't yet totally bent on rewriting great novels into unrecognizable hash back in the '30s. Great acting, by real actors, and a lot of action. I highly recommend this Silver Screen treasure. 5 Stars

Paul Robeson stars as Umbopa, exiled prince of the tribe that guards the Mines; Cedric Hardwicke makes a nicely hard and cynical Allen Quatermain, Anna Lee is attractive as the obligatory love interest, and Roland Young is quietly hilarious as Commander Good.This is a classic adventure picture, of a very common type, Englishmen against Adversity; and a well-done example of the genre.

Awful... just awful...The volcanic eruption came too late.Find another way to hear Paul Robeson sing.

DVD MOVIES CAME OK IN THE MAIL TO DAY

I watched this movie because the lovely Anna Lee was the female lead. The story of King Solomon's Mine was enjoyable, if predictable. What I did not enjoy was Paul Robeson's singing. I must admit I hit the mute button when he broke out into song. I also was a bit startled to see topless women in the movie. I'm not sure how that got past the 1937 censors. At least everyone didn't speak English.

Yes, Paul Robeson sings. And has top billing!The story is from the book, albeit with a female member of the expedition added. This is, of course, quite common and nothing to get excited about.The natives match HR Haggard's description very well, not just in terms of beehive huts and walled towns, but in terms of court procedures and literal witch hunts. Note that "matching HR Haggard's descriptions and "African natives actually behaved that way" are two entirely separate concepts.Definitely worth seeing!

I was surprised by the amount of operatic singing (not pleasantly surprised).

I like the actors who play the characters especially Paul Robson’s with Anna lee

King Solomon's Mines [DVD] was a disappointment. The singing during the film did not represent the African continent in anyway.

I enjoy the novels of H. Rider Haggard and found this film version close to the outline of Haggard's novel. It includes the character of Gagool the evil witch which is lacking in the version from 1950. The choice of Paul Robeson as Umbopo is excellent;with his large physique & magnificent voice he portrays the exiled king perfectly. Both these films introduced romantic elements that did not exist in the novel. The earlier version lacks much of the spectacle of the later version which was filmed in colour and all on location in central & eastern Africa with Watusi dancers & warriors.

Good and of its time. Would be called racist and patronising today. Paul Robeson as amazing as ever.

What a great experience in viewing to see a movie which held our parents and grandparents spellbound in the ''Picture Houses'' of that time. Cinema has come a lopng way since those days but it is still wonderful to see the REAL oldies in all their glory - and isn't it great to be actually able to hear what the actors are saying - the diction is superb. Maybe some of todays 'stars' could learn a lesson or two from these old timers?