Hatari! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

John Wayne and his buddies kidnap animals for zoos, then a woman shows up and suddenly it’s a romantic comedy involving rocket-powered monkey nets and a parade of orphaned elephants.

🍿 Hatari!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Animal Capturing in Tanganyika

Sean Mercer and his team operate in Tanganyika, capturing wild animals for zoos worldwide. The work is dangerous, as highlighted when Little Wolf is injured by a rhino during a capture. The team’s expertise and close-knit dynamic are quickly established through exciting chase sequences and shared camaraderie.

The Arrival of Dallas

Anna Maria ‘Dallas’ D’Allesandro, a wildlife photographer, arrives to document the team’s activities. Initially met with skepticism, particularly from Sean, Dallas proves her mettle and becomes integrated into the group. Her presence introduces a romantic element as she and Sean develop feelings for each other.

Adventures and Relationships

The film follows the team’s adventures as they capture various animals, including zebras, leopards, and monkeys. Subplots involve romantic interests among the crew members, such as the pursuit of Brandy by Kurt, Chips, and Pockets. Dallas’s compassionate nature is highlighted by her adoption of orphaned baby elephants.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sean Mercer (John Wayne): The tough, experienced leader of a wild animal capturing business in East Africa who is initially resistant to romantic involvement.
• Anna Maria ‘Dallas’ D’Allesandro (Elsa Martinelli): A determined wildlife photographer who joins Mercer’s team and develops a romantic interest in him while documenting their work.
• Kurt Muller (Hardy Krüger): A skilled former race car driver and member of Mercer’s team who competes for Brandy’s affection and initially clashes with Chips.
• Pockets (Red Buttons): A former NYC cab driver and member of Mercer’s team who provides comic relief and surprisingly wins Brandy’s heart.
• Charles ‘Chips’ Maurey (Gérard Blain): A French marksman who joins Mercer’s crew after saving Little Wolf’s life and also pursues Brandy.
• Brandy de la Court (Michèle Girardon): The owner of the Momella Game Company and the object of affection for multiple members of Mercer’s team.
• Little Wolf aka The Indian (Bruce Cabot): A Native American sharpshooter and experienced member of Mercer’s team who is injured early in the film.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pockets: “The animals are just like New York drivers. I feel right at home.” – Pockets explains why he, a former New York cab driver, feels comfortable driving in Africa amidst the wild animals.
• Dallas: “You know, for a tough guy, you’re awfully sweet.” – Dallas says this to Sean, acknowledging his hidden tenderness despite his rough exterior.
• Sean Mercer: “She’s a woman. Sooner or later, they get around to ya.” – Sean expresses his cynical view on women and relationships when Dallas arrives.
• Luis Francisco Garcia Lopez: “My name is Luis Francisco Garcia Lopez, and I don’t wear pajamas.” – Luis Francisco Garcia Lopez states his identity to the group.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.5 Million
• Domestic Gross: $12.6 Million
• Worldwide Gross: $12.98 Million

💥 Hatari! Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore ‘Hatari!’. It’s one of those movies that just makes you feel good. The animal capture scenes are thrilling, especially that initial rhino chase! The romance between John Wayne and Elsa Martinelli felt a bit odd at first, but I found myself rooting for them. And those baby elephants? They completely stole my heart! It’s a fun, lighthearted adventure that I could watch over and over again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Adventure movie fans”
  • “John Wayne fans”
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Families looking for a fun, lighthearted film”
  • “People interested in African wildlife”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Animal capturing scenes (may be sensitive for some viewers)”
  • “Some outdated cultural depictions”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “Hawks balances the thrill of animal capture with the lighthearted charm of Mancini’s score, creating a unique cinematic experience. The film’s leisurely pace and vibrant visuals offer a refreshing escape, showcasing the beauty and danger of the African landscape. A flawed but enjoyable adventure.
• IndieWire: “Like ‘The Eephus,’ ‘Hatari!’ is great as a hang-out movie. It’s long, breezy, and fun, and you could watch it any old time with any old people.

Audience Reactions

The animal capture scenes are thrilling and genuinely impressive.: Viewers consistently praise the exciting animal capture sequences and the beautiful African scenery.

Red Buttons provides hilarious comic relief as ‘Pockets’.: Red Buttons’ comedic performance is a highlight for many, adding a fun and lighthearted element to the adventure.

Overall Consensus: A fun, lighthearted adventure with thrilling animal capture scenes and memorable comedic moments, although some find the romantic subplot unconvincing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “All animal captures were performed by the actors themselves, with no stuntmen or animal handlers substituted onscreen. The rhino really did escape during filming, and the actors had to recapture it.”
• “Director Howard Hawks began filming with virtually no script. The script was written based on footage shot on location in Africa after the cast returned to California.”
• “The movie title ‘Hatari!’ means ‘Danger!’ in Swahili.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hatari!?

Hatari! is available for purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules on channels like Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hatari!, you might like these similar films:

• The African Queen (1951): A classic adventure romance set in Africa, featuring a mismatched couple navigating dangerous terrain and finding love amidst the challenges.
• North to Alaska (1960): Another John Wayne adventure film with a similar lighthearted tone, focusing on camaraderie and humor amidst rugged conditions.
• We Bought a Zoo (2011): A modern equivalent focusing on the challenges and joys of running a zoo, with themes of family, adventure, and animal care.
• The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980): A comedic look at the clash between modern civilization and traditional African cultures, with plenty of slapstick and heartwarming moments.

🛒 Hatari! Related Products

• Hatari! (Blu-ray): Experience ‘Hatari!’ in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Relive the adventure with enhanced picture and sound quality, and enjoy bonus features for a deeper look into the making of the film.
• Henry Mancini – Hatari! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the iconic music of ‘Hatari!’ with the original motion picture soundtrack. Featuring the unforgettable ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ and other memorable themes, this soundtrack captures the spirit and adventure of the film.
• Safari Hat – Indiana Jones Style: Emulate the iconic safari look with this Indiana Jones Style hat! Made from high-quality materials, this hat is a perfect item for collectors and Hatari Fans.
• Safari Vehicle Model Kit: An original Safari Vehicle model kit. This is an original model based on the type of car used during the film. Limited Collector’s Edition

🎧 Soundtrack

Hatari! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Baby Elephant Walk” – performed by Henry Mancini
• “Just For Tonight” – performed by Hoagy Carmichael & Johnny Mercer

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Opening rhino hunt from Howard Hawks’ “Hatari!”

Ever wondered how they filmed those incredible animal capture scenes in ‘Hatari!’? This video shows the opening rhino hunt—it’s a thrilling sequence and amazing to think they did it all for real!

Why John Wayne was SCARED TO DEATH while filming “HATARI!” & his co-star’s SAD LONELY END!

Did you know John Wayne was actually scared during the filming of Hatari!? Plus, learn about the tragic fate of one of his co-stars. It’s a wild story that really changes how you see the movie.

Hatari! – Elephants (Hawks, 1962)

Want to appreciate ‘Hatari!’ on a whole new level? This video highlights the brilliance of director Howard Hawks, especially in how he balances humor and action in the elephant scenes. Honestly, it’s pure filmmaking genius!

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