The Comedians in Africa

A short film promoting "The Comedians" (October, 1967), starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. At the time, both were in the annual "Quigley" poll of top ten money-making stars, and given serious consideration by film critics. This short is rather good, and signals a possible classic in the making. The resulting film did not meet expectations. Here, the emphasis is on the African location. It was hot. Very hot. Her part in "The Comedians" was disappointing small, but veteran actress Lilian Gish is seen...

"A motion picture star for half a century," Ms. Gish bravely bears the heat. She says Mr. Burton revealed the temperature reached 138 degrees. Looking glamorous always, Ms. Taylor gets a lot of camera attention. Starring husband Burton and director Peter Glenville also appear, of course. Alec Guinness speaks, briefly. The film had to be shot in Africa (Dahomey) due to the repressive dictatorship in Haiti, it is explained. Narrator Karl Weber, the behind-the-scenes location footage and soundtrack are engaging.

****** The Comedians in Africa (1967) MGM ~ Karl Weber, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Lillian Gish