Made in 1949 and there’s, unfortunately, some offensive content in here that is certainly of its era. Yes, it is a shame and it does affect your enjoyment of the piece.
“Africa” also feels a little studio-bound, oddly making no use of stock footage to at least attempt to give an illusion of the beautiful continent. The sets feel small and look unconvincing.
What we do get is a decent enough plot, that moves the picture along. Giving the boys an opportunity for their shenanigans. There is a juvenility to the humour that doesn’t play to the strengths of the duo, which in my opinion was their repertoire within quick-fire wordplay and brilliantly conceived miscommunication. There are small roles for Shemp Howard (the 4th Stooge) and Joe Besser (the 5th Stooge!). Shemp is possibly the funniest person in the film.