Watusi (1959)
A classic African adventure following the son of a legendary explorer on a perilous quest for King Solomon's fabled mines.
Watusi - Movie Information
- Original Title: Watusi
- Release Year: 1959
- Directed by: Kurt Neumann
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 25, 1959 (United States), August 20, 1959 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Mavroi gigantes (GR), Diamantgrottan (SE), The Quest for King Solomon's Mines (US), Timanttiluola (FI), Vatussi (IT), ソロモン王の宝庫 (JP), Helvedes huler (DK), Watusi - O Gigante Africano (BR)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Watusi - Plot
Following WWI, fortune hunter Allen Quartermain's son Harry travels to Africa to search for King Solomon's mines. He dons a special medallion given by his father from the Watusi tribe, who guard the mines. Along the way, Harry and his friend Rick meet and take with them Erica, daughter of a missionary killed by a local tribe.
Watusi - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the adventure unfold:
Guardians of King Solomon's Mines!
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Watusi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kurt Neumann
Main Cast
- George Montgomery
- Taina Elg
- David Farrar
- Dan Seymour
- Robert Goodwin
- Rex Ingram
- Anthony M. Davis
- Paul Thompson
- Harold Dyrenforth
- Charles Swain
Writers
- James Clavell
Producers
- Al Zimbalist
Watusi - FAQs
What is Watusi about?
Watusi follows Harry Quartermain, son of the legendary adventurer Allan Quartermain, on a dangerous journey into Africa to locate King Solomon's fabled mines. Armed with a sacred medallion from the Watusi tribe, Harry teams up with a fellow fortune hunter and a missionary's daughter in a race through perilous territory.
Is Watusi a sequel to King Solomon's Mines?
Yes, Watusi is essentially a follow-up to the 1950 MGM adventure King Solomon's Mines. It picks up the story through the next generation, with Harry Quartermain — son of the original hero Allan Quartermain — setting out to finish what his father started and claim the legendary treasure.
Where can you stream Watusi (1959)?
You can watch Watusi on YouTube TV, where it's available as part of a flatrate subscription. Check your regional availability for the most up-to-date streaming options.
Who plays Harry Quartermain in Watusi?
George Montgomery takes on the lead role of Harry Quartermain, the adventurous son of the famous explorer. Montgomery brings a rugged, determined energy to the character as he navigates treacherous African terrain in search of King Solomon's mines.
What role does the Watusi tribe play in the film?
The Watusi tribe serves as the ancient guardians of King Solomon's mines in the film. Harry Quartermain carries a special medallion passed down from his father, which connects him to the tribe and becomes a crucial key to navigating the dangers surrounding the legendary treasure.
Who wrote the screenplay for Watusi?
The screenplay was written by James Clavell, who would later become famous as the author of epic novels like Shōgun and Tai-Pan. Watusi was one of his earlier Hollywood writing credits, adapting the adventure story for the screen.
Was Watusi a box office success in 1959?
Watusi performed reasonably well for its modest budget. Produced for around $485,000, the film brought in approximately $1.5 million at the box office — a solid return that reflected steady audience appetite for classic African adventure stories during the late 1950s.
What are some movies similar to Watusi?
If you enjoyed Watusi, you might also like The African Queen (1952), a classic adventure set in Africa, or Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) for another jungle epic. Hatari! (1962) and Tarzan and His Mate (1934) are also great picks for vintage African adventure fans.
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