Something of Value Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A white guy and a Black guy who were besties as kids realize growing up means one of them will fight a bloody rebellion against colonial rule while the other tries to talk him out of it, proving friendship is complicated.

🍿 Something of Value: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood Bonds in Colonial Kenya

The film opens in British Colonial Kenya, establishing the deep, formative friendship between Peter McKenzie, the son of a white settler, and Kimani Wa Karanja, a native Kikuyu boy. Despite their racial differences, they grow up side-by-side, sharing adventures and forming a bond that transcends the societal norms of the time. This early depiction highlights an innocent period before the full weight of colonialism and racial disparity impacts their lives.

Seeds of Discontent and Racial Divide

As Peter and Kimani enter young adulthood, the harsh realities of colonial rule begin to strain their friendship. Kimani experiences firsthand the discriminatory treatment of Africans by the British, feeling the sting of inequality and disrespect. A pivotal incident involves Kimani’s father being imprisoned for following a tribal custom, specifically related to killing a baby born feet first, which is deemed barbaric by the colonial authorities. This injustice fuels Kimani’s growing disillusionment and anger towards the white settlers.

The Rise of the Mau Mau Rebellion

Driven by frustration and a desire for self-determination, Kimani decides to join the burgeoning Mau Mau movement. This group, seeking to drive non-Kenyans out of their country, believes in violent rebellion as the only path to freedom. While Kimani embraces the cause, he grapples with the Mau Mau’s increasingly indiscriminate and brutal tactics, which include the killing of women, children, and those who refuse to join their ranks. The once-friends now find themselves on opposing sides of a brutal conflict, with Peter struggling to understand and reconcile with Kimani’s path.

Peter’s Quest for Peace

Despite the escalating violence and the Mau Mau’s attacks, including a devastating massacre that impacts Peter’s family directly, Peter holds onto the belief that peaceful coexistence between the races is still possible. He is determined to reason with Kimani, hoping to appeal to their shared past and stop the cycle of killing. His efforts highlight the deep personal toll of the conflict, as individuals caught between cultures struggle to find a resolution amidst widespread unrest.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Peter (Rock Hudson): A white colonial settler who, despite growing up as friends with Kimani, finds himself on the opposing side during the Mau Mau uprising, advocating for peaceful coexistence.
• Kimani Wa Karanja (Sidney Poitier): Peter’s childhood friend who, after experiencing racial discrimination, becomes a key figure in the violent Mau Mau rebellion against the British colonizers.
• Holly (Dana Wynter): Peter’s betrothed and later wife, who endures the escalating violence and uncertainty of the Mau Mau uprising alongside him.
• Elizabeth (Wendy Hiller): Peter’s sister, whose family suffers a tragic massacre at the hands of the Mau Mau, profoundly impacting Peter and illustrating the rebellion’s brutality.
• Njogu (Juano Hernandez): A significant Mau Mau leader who administers the tribal oaths, representing the cultural and spiritual forces behind the rebellion.
• Henry McKenzie (Walter Fitzgerald): Peter’s father and an experienced white settler who understands tribal customs and attempts to mediate the escalating tensions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Opening Title Card: “When we take away from a man his traditional way of life, his customs, his religion, we had better make certain to replace them with Something of Value!” – This profound statement appears at the very beginning of the film, serving as a guiding thematic declaration about the responsibilities of colonial powers.
• Henry McKenzie: “What in the name of Almighty God are we trying to do to these people?” – Said by a white settler, expressing his deep concern and moral questioning about the harsh treatment and cultural disruption imposed upon the native Kenyan population by colonial rule.
• Henry McKenzie: “Except some are more equal than others.” – Spoken cynically by a white settler, this line exposes the hypocrisy and inherent inequality embedded within the colonial legal system, despite claims of universal justice.
• Peter: “We steal their earth and their religion, we’ve got to give them something of value instead.” – Articulated by Rock Hudson’s character, Peter, this quote encapsulates his growing realization of the profound injustices inflicted upon the native Kenyans and the moral obligation for restitution.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,553,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Something of Value Reviews

Personal Review

Watching ‘Something of Value’ really hit me hard. I mean, seeing Rock Hudson and Sidney Poitier, who grew up like brothers, slowly drift apart because of the brutal realities of colonialism and racism was just heartbreaking. There’s a scene where Kimani gets slapped, and it’s just so raw and upsetting – you feel that shift, that moment where their paths irrevocably diverge. I found myself feeling so angry at the injustices, but also understanding the desperation that leads to such violence on both sides. It’s a tough watch, but it felt incredibly important, especially seeing it through the lens of their broken friendship. The film really makes you think about how history shapes personal lives.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films about colonialism and decolonization”
  • “Those curious about the Mau Mau Uprising”
  • “Admirers of Sidney Poitier’s early work”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with strong social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial prejudice and discrimination depicted”
  • “Scenes of intense violence, including massacres”
  • “Graphic depictions of tribal customs that may be disturbing (e.g., infant killing for tribal reasons)”
  • “Upsetting themes of war and rebellion”
  • “Some viewers may find the portrayal of certain characters or groups to be simplistic or stereotypical for its era”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Richard Brooks’ ‘Something of Value’ is a remarkably brave film for its era, tackling the brutal realities of the Mau Mau uprising with unflinching honesty. Sidney Poitier delivers a searing performance as Kimani, embodying the tragic consequences of colonial oppression. While Rock Hudson’s casting feels somewhat out of place, the film’s bold narrative and powerful themes make it a vital, thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
• Variety: “This powerful drama thrusts viewers into the heart of Kenya’s colonial conflict, exploring the complex bonds and brutal betrayals between childhood friends Peter and Kimani. The film doesn’t shy away from the horrific violence on both sides, offering a stark portrayal of injustice and desperation. Miklos Rozsa’s unique score, infused with African rhythms, adds an unforgettable layer to this intense and often disturbing, yet ultimately essential, cinematic historical account.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by Sidney Poitier’s intense and empathetic portrayal of Kimani, making his struggle incredibly real.: Audiences consistently praised the film for its courageous and unflinching depiction of the complex and violent Mau Mau uprising, acknowledging its significant historical relevance.

Overall Consensus: While sometimes uneven in its pacing and casting, ‘Something of Value’ is widely regarded as a groundbreaking and powerful drama that bravely tackles the grim realities of colonialism and racial conflict, anchored by Sidney Poitier’s compelling performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Kenya, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) reportedly received military protection during the production due to the ongoing Mau Mau uprising.”
• “Dana Wynter, who played Holly, was unable to drive the Land Rover required for a specific scene. A British citizen residing in Kenya, Eileen Cussans, who bore a striking resemblance to Wynter, served as her stand-in for the driving sequence.”
• “Director Richard Brooks and lead actor Rock Hudson took the risky step of meeting with actual Mau Mau members at a secret location in Kenya to gain insight for the film.”
• “Despite his reputation for being demanding, director Richard Brooks went to lengths to protect Sidney Poitier from racial discrimination prevalent in segregated Kenya during filming.”
• “Miklos Rozsa, known for his epic orchestral scores, created an unusual and distinct soundtrack for the film, primarily using a chorus and African rhythms to evoke the local atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Something of Value?

Finding ‘Something of Value’ for streaming can be a journey back in time, as it’s an older classic. While direct subscriptions on major platforms like Netflix or Hulu are unlikely for a film of this era, you can often rent or purchase it digitally through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or YouTube. Check these platforms for availability. Occasionally, classic film channels like Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will air it, so keep an eye on their schedules for broadcast viewing. Physical copies, such as DVD or Blu-ray, might also be available for purchase from retailers like Amazon or specialized film stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Something of Value, you might like these similar films:

• Simba (1955): A direct predecessor, this British film also deals with the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya, offering a comparison in how the conflict was depicted shortly after the events.
• The Battle of Algiers (1966): A critically acclaimed film that explores the complexities of anti-colonial resistance and the ethical dilemmas faced by both oppressors and revolutionaries, offering a broader thematic comparison.
• The Defiant Ones (1958): Featuring Sidney Poitier in another powerful role released shortly after, this film also delves into racial tensions and the forced, complex relationship between individuals from different backgrounds.
• Blood Diamond (2006): A modern film that, like ‘Something of Value’, portrays the brutal realities of conflict and exploitation in Africa, highlighting the enduring relevance of the region’s struggles.
• Zulu (1964): An iconic British colonial war film, it depicts a famous battle between the British Army and Zulu warriors, appealing to fans interested in historical African conflicts and military drama.

🛒 Something of Value Related Products

• Something of Value (Restored Digital Edition): Own this classic Richard Brooks drama, beautifully restored for modern viewing, that powerfully depicts the Mau Mau uprising and its tragic impact on two childhood friends. Features compelling performances by Rock Hudson and Sidney Poitier.
• Something of Value by Robert Ruark (Paperback): The acclaimed novel that inspired the film, offering a more expansive and often grittier exploration of the Mau Mau rebellion and the deep-seated conflicts between colonial settlers and native Kenyans.
• Mau Mau: The Untold Story (Documentary Streaming): A compelling historical documentary offering a non-fictional account of the Mau Mau Uprising, providing essential context to the events dramatized in ‘Something of Value’ with archival footage and interviews.
• Vintage ‘Something of Value’ Movie Poster Reproduction: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical release poster for ‘Something of Value,’ featuring iconic imagery and the film’s classic tagline, perfect for framing.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Something of Value (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by Miklos Rozsa

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

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