Ava Gardner, Mogambo
Ava Gardner, in my opinion, was the best thing about the movie Mogambo (1953).
Like… by a long shot.
She was beautiful, feisty, fun, and (by comparison), the rest of the film and cast (in my opinion) just kind of seemed like wet blankets.
Funny thing is, I see and hear from A LOT of people who really liked the film. That’s why, about a month ago, I rewatched it (it was the third chance I’d given to this movie!), just to be sure I wasn’t missing something.
While I didn’t come away liking it any better than the first two times, I did come away with the reason I don’t like the film and, shockingly enough, it’s because of one of my favorite actresses… Ava Gardner!
Nor for reasons you may thing – she was perfect. In every way. Which is part of the problem…
- In what universe would any man have someone who looks like Ava Gardner (with the fieriness of her character as a bonus) even take time to glance at another woman?! And yet that’s what Clark Gable’s character does… he spends over half the movie pining after Grace Kelly who not only isn’t interested in him (while Ava’s character IS), she is married, is pretty much lifeless (compared to Ava’s wonderful character), and is…. in this particular role, and again compared to Ava… pretty plain.
- Her energy level is so much higher than that of Grace Kelly or Clark Gable’s that she almost makes them seem like they’re sleep walking!
Don’t get me wrong – I love Grace Kelly and Clark Gable. Just not in this film. Each of the three times I’ve watched, I’ve thought of about a dozen actors that would have (at that time) been better in Gable’s role. I hate to say it, because he is one of my favorite actors… but I think he was too old for this particular role.
My profuse apologies to anyone who loves this film… my opinions don’t make me right – they’re simply my opinions. And since my mom always told me to speak my mind… that’s what I tend to do.
Just ask my family!
You know the really unfortunate thing??? I collect ALL of Ava Gardner’s films so… at some point… I’m going to have to buy this film that I don’t at all like! Oh well… she’s worth it.
Ava Gardner, Mogambo