Film Snail

Untamed
Untamed

5.6

Untamed

NR·1955·111m

Summary

When the great potato famine hits Ireland, the diaspora begins as thousands emigrate. Among those leaving the Emerald Isle is Katie O'Neill and her husband, who decide that the promised land is South Africa and make their way there. Once there, they discover the hardships that are the reality of the homesteader experience.

Crew

Director

Henry King

Novel

Helga Moray

Screenplay, Story

Talbot Jennings

Writer

Frank Fenton

Writer

Michael Blankfort

Writer

William A. Bacher

Reviews

Geronimo1967

Geronimo1967

November 10, 2023

5

"Katie" (Susan Hayward) and her husband "Shawn" (John Justin) are struggling to make a go of things on their Irish potato farm so hit on the idea of emigrating to the opportunities of Southern Africa. They arrive and soon discover that it's no easier making a living here than it was back home. She also meets up with old flame "Paul" (an unimpressive Tyrone Power) - a man of Dutch origin determined to fight the Boer cause against the ever encroaching British. Tragedy is never far from "Katie" and the film follows her rather turbulent life and relationships whilst trying to give us a little bit of a "Janet & John" on the political history of the forming of South Africa. What it actually gives us is a rather dreary, meandering, melodrama with Hayward well off her best juggling her men folk - which also includes Richard Egan's "Hout" by the mid-point - like she was spinning plates. There's little to like or admire in any of the characterisations on offer here, and although the cinematography is pretty impressive it cannot really untame this plodding will she/won't she drama that is really only improved by the occassional intervention of Agnes Moorehead's "Aggie" - perhaps the only person here who has a semblance of wits. It's too long and actually inclined to run a short scenario, reset it, then re-run it again - with a slightly different focus. I'm afraid that it's just a bit boring. Sorry.

Media

Status:

Released

Original Language:

English

Budget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Keywords

hostage
south africa
famine
storm
ireland