A group of men trap wild animals in Africa and sell them to zoos before the arrival of a female wildlife photographer threatens to change their ways.

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Writers:

(screenplay), (story)
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
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Kurt Muller (as Hardy Kruger)
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Charles 'Chips' Maurey (as Gerard Blain)
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Brandy de la Court (as Michele Girardon)
Valentin de Vargas ...
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Nurse (scenes deleted)
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Storyline

Sean Mercer (played by John Wayne) runs a business in East Africa. He and his team capture wild animals for zoos. It is dangerous work - on of his men almost dies after being gored by a rhino. He accepts a request from a photographer to join his business and capture their experiences but is very surprised, and bit inconvenienced, when the photographer turns out to be a woman. However, over time he grows fond of her. Meanwhile, plans to capture certain animals lead to all sorts of plans and adventures. Written by grantss

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Fun! Adventure! Romance! Thrills! For People Of All Ages! A Wonderful New World Of Entertainment! See more »


Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

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Release Date:

19 June 1962 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Hatari  »

Filming Locations:

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Box Office

Gross:

$14,000,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Many critics carped that the film seemed like a lazy vacation for Howard Hawks. They were partly right - there was no finished script and Hawks relished the chance of filming what he wanted on location in Tanganyika--now Tanzania--far away from the watchful eye of the studio, happily burning through their six million dollar budget. See more »

Goofs

In the opening sequence, chasing the Rhino, the catching truck is turning left and you can see half of the windshield is missing and the character of Dallas is in the cab. In the preceding few seconds and the following scene Pockets is alone in the cab. An almost identical take is later used in the buffalo chase. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Sean Mercer: [over two-way radio] Kurt, can you hear me?
Kurt Muller: Go ahead, Sean.
Sean Mercer: At about eleven o'clock... right in the middle of that herd of wildebeest - see him?
Kurt Muller: Oh, that's a good one.
Sean Mercer: Let's go; start out easy.
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Connections

Referenced in The New Normal: Pilot (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

Old Folks at Home
aka "Swanee River" (uncredited)
Written by Stephen Foster
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Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
The most hilarious John Wayne movie
2 May 2003 | by (fresno, California) – See all my reviews

I first saw this movie in 1962. Today it is still as fresh and funny as it was forty years ago. And it is so politically incorrect! It should be put on a pedestal!!! Think about it cool and suave dudes out in the wilds of Africa capturing wild animals for zoos! It's great to see those these folks, rousting beasts during the day, dancing around the piano, while they hold a martini in one hand and a beautiful girl wrapped around the other. The Henry Mancini music is a pleasure to listen to. Just try to obtain a rare CD of the Hatari soundtrack. The humor in the movie is largely supplied by an adorable Red Buttons, playing a former New York cabbie who currently acts as manic truck driver for John Wayne on his daily quest to capture animals. And why is Buttons now driving in Africa? His explanation is that the animals are like New York drivers, so he feels right at home. So run, don't walk to your nearest video rental joint. Rent this baby and spend the next few hours laughing with a movie from a different time and world view.


27 of 39 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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