Call Me Bwana

"Call Me Bwana" is a 1963 comedy movie directed by Gordon Douglas and featuring a rich cast of talented actors, including the legendary comedian Bob Hope. The film also has the likes of beautiful Anita Ekberg, Edie Adams, and Lionel Jeffries in prominent roles. The plot revolves around a timid book publisher mistaken for a famous space expert, his comedic escapades through Africa while trying to retrieve a missing spacecraft, and his encounters with various comic characters along the journey.

Bob Hope stars as Matt Merriwether, a writer on African exploration, known for his wildly successful coffee-table books about various African adventures – or so everyone thinks. The truth, however, is somewhat different. Merriwether's "first-hand accounts" of African adventuring are hardly first-hand. He's been getting his material from his late uncle's diaries. When Matt is mistaken for a renowned space scientist, he is unwillingly thrust on a mission to recover a missing U.S. spacecraft that has crash-landed in the African jungle. The U.S. government hopes his perceived knowledge on Africa will give them an advantage in the recovery.

Alongside him is the endearing and feisty leading lady, Luba, played by Anita Ekberg, a secret Russian spy sent to ensure her country gets the spacecraft first. She must pose as an assistant to Matt on his expedition, resulting in some amusingly awkward situations. Edie Adams, as Freda, is an actual U.S. government agent sent along both to accompany Matt and to make sure he does not accidentally cause an international incident or, worse, allow the spacecraft to fall into the wrong hands.

As our often-befuddled hero, Bob Hope delivers his signature style of humor, combining self-deprecating wit with quick one-liners and visual gags. His comic timing and delivery give life to the hilarious misadventures Matt gets caught up in. Ekberg, on the other hand, portrays a convincing 'femme fatale,' making for some laugh-out-loud moments, while Adams perfectly complements Hope's sense of humor.

The African setting allows the filmmakers to infuse the narrative with various comedic scenarios involving wild animals, tribal chieftains, and unexpected jungle predicaments. From hilarious encounters with rhinos and lions to misadventures involving native tribes, the humor draws heavily from the situations arising from such encounters.

Yet, despite the comedy, there's still room for dramatic tension and suspense in "Call Me Bwana". Matt and his team must reach the spacecraft before their rivals do, and the stakes are high. The comic tension between Matt's ineptitude and the gravity of his assignment creates a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.

Additionally, the film exhibits a visually striking portrayal of the African landscape, which gives the audience a feel for the beautiful savannas, dense jungles, and diverse wildlife of the dark continent. The cinematography allows for a feast for the eyes, the colorful landscapes perfectly contrasting with the film's comedic tone.

Hope's character Matt shows his growth throughout the movie from a clueless publisher to a somewhat competent adventure-seeker, creating a charismatic and lovable persona the audience can root for. Meanwhile, Ekberg and Adams, each with their own secrets and agendas, add another layer of complexity to the plot. The intersection of their narratives with Matt's mission forms a substantial part of the film's wit and humor.

"Call Me Bwana" is a movie that keeps the laughs coming while telling an exciting story of mistaken identity, and international intrigue. It will appeal to fans of classic comedy and features a lovably funny performance by Bob Hope at his prime. This movie serves as a reminder of the actor-comedian's tremendous comic talent and timing. The film benefits from its intertwining plot threads and a host of entertaining characters, and without giving too much away, viewers can expect a comedic romp filled with adventure and laughs.

All in all, "Call Me Bwana" is a light-hearted comedy-adventure that captures the fun and fearless spirit of its era, combining an entertaining plot with timeless humor and memorable performances. While it might be a product of its time in terms of its setting and comedic style, the genuinely enjoyable storyline and charming performances make it a pleasant and entertaining viewing experience.