Port Afrique


Port Afrique is a 1956 British drama film directed by Rudolph Maté and starring Pier Angeli, Philip Carey and Dennis Price as Robert Blackton. It was written by John Cresswell based on the 1948 novel of the same name by Bernard Victor Dryer.

Synopsis

Set in July 1945, the film tells the story of a returning American pilot named Rip Reardon who lost his leg during the war and a young woman, Ynez, who is accused of the murder of Rip's wife.

Cast

The film was made at Shepperton Studios with sets designed by the art director Wilfred Shingleton. It was filmed on location in the Casbah in Algiers and in Tangiers and Morocco.

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A slow and hackneyed murder mystery. The characterisation is shallow and familiar, and the identification of the "county" Diane as the killer strikes a distinctly incongruous note. Phil Carey is no more than adequate as the sullen hero, and Pier Angeli appears embarrassed by her part as the Spanish singer. The French Moroccan location work provides a welcome breath of fresh air."
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture has colourful, as well as authentic, backgrounds and the warm and sunny exteriors and intriguing interiors – the night haunt scenes, complete with dancing girls and songs, are most decorative – create atmosphere and help to smooth its rough edges. Pier Angeli Sings haunting tunes and keeps the audience guessing as Ynez, and Phil Carey displays plenty of fight, despite a limp, as Rip, but Eugene Deckers talks too much as Moussac, and James Hayter, Dennis Price and Rachel Gurney are somewhat stagy as Nino, Blackton and Diane. The finale is, however, showmanlike and amply atones for its shortcomings."
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Plodding mystery with ill-at-ease stars."