The Roots of Heaven (1958) on Netflix
In French Equatorial Africa, Morel campaigns to save the African elephant from extinction, calling the animal a symbol of freedom. A nightclub hostess, Minna, and Major Forsythe join his cause.
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- Netflix3.1/5
- IMDb6.2/101,243 votes
- Rotten TomatoesNot available
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Plot summary
Morel, a crusading environmentalist, wants the African elephant to survive, and he carries that campaign through French Equatorial Africa, where he speaks of the animal as a symbol of freedom for humanity. His argument is that the elephant's only enemy is man. Two people throw in with him: Minna, who works as a nightclub hostess, and Major Forsythe, a British officer whose career ended in disgrace and who hopes to redeem himself. The cause attracts a mixed following, among them an American commentator. Against Morel stand a government aide and an ivory hunter whose own interests conflict with his aim.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about The Roots of Heaven (1958)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- The TIE fighter sound in Star Wars and later Star Wars films was created in part by reusing and altering recordings of aggravated elephants vocalizing in The Roots of Heaven; sound director Ben Burtt had access to 20th Century Fox's old sound library.
- John Huston said the screenplay was done by someone who had never written one before and was bad, and that by then the cast and crew were in Africa, so it was too late to turn back.
- Orson Welles filmed his cameo over two days at a Paris studio and was not paid, forgoing his normal $15,000 rate because he wanted to repay Zanuck for helping him fund Othello (1952).
- William Holden wanted the lead role of Morel but Paramount would not let him make the film unless he signed another contract, which he refused; James Mason had also been mentioned for the part.
