Cinema: A Grand, Ferocious Folly

MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON Directed by Bob Rafelson

Screenplay by William Harrison and Bob Rafelson

Once upon a time, actors like Spencer Tracy (in Stanley and Livingstone) strode off to explore Africa with their pith helmets set squarely on their brows, their bush jackets neatly pressed and a chorus bawling Onward, Christian Soldiers on the sound track.

In Mountains of the Moon, John Hanning Speke (Iain Glen) is just a few days out on his first trek into the wilderness when he gets a spear through his cheek, and a messy, bloody business it is. Before the movie ends, his partner,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!