| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Paul Robeson | ... |
John 'Johnny' Zinga
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| Elisabeth Welch | ... |
Ruth Zinga
(as Elizabeth Welch)
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Esme Percy | ... |
Gabriel Donozetti
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Robert Adams | ... |
Monty
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James Solomon | ... |
Native Leader
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Tony Wane | ... |
Mandingo
(as Ecce Homo Toto)
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Ronald Simpson | ... |
Mr. Blane, the Pianist
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George Mozart | ... |
Bert Puddick
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Jenny Dean | ... |
Marian
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Joan Fred Emney | ... |
Nell Puddick
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Bernard Ansell | ... |
Sir James Pyrie
(as Bernerd Ansell)
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Johnnie Schofield |
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Ambrose Manning | ... |
Trader
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Arthur Elliott | ... |
(as Hon. Arthur Eliot)
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Cornelia Smith | ... |
Queen Zinga
(as Miss C. Smith)
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A black British dockworker named Johnny Zinga becomes a famous singer and learns that he is the rightful king of the African island of Casanga.
This movie is about how sheer chance and pure luck and can lead to fame and fortune. Paul Robeson is wonderful. His singing is comparable to that in the 1936 Show Boat, arguably the greatest musical ever made by Hollywood. Paul Robeson is such a commanding presence in this movie that without him this movie could not be made. Also the story is compelling as a man has a chance to fulfill his dream and in the process learn more about himself and his roots. Anyone who gives any thought to their own roots can relate to this movie. It's about a man's quest for cultural and spiritual fulfillment which this movie mots effectively portrays. Also impressive is Elizabeth Welch who plays Mr. Robeson's wife. A good story, well acted, excellent, inspirational songs, all combined to create a great movie.