Something of Value, from 1957, is a hard-hitting political/racial unrest drama starring Rock Hudson and Sidney Poitier, with Dana Wynter and Wendy Hiller taking on supporting roles. It's a film that takes place in Kenya during the 1940's and early 1950's...a time when the East African country was under British rule.
Peter McKenzie (Rock Hudson), a white English colonist, and Kimani (Sidney Poitier), a black native Kenyan, have been raised as brothers. Since Peter's own mother had died when he was a baby, Kimani's mother, a servant for the McKenzie family, raised the white child. As a result, Peter and Kimani have played together and been as close as brothers all their lives; however, as the boys grow to adulthood, Peter is told that Kimani is supposed to be his servant, not his equal. In fact, Peter is told, "Blacks are blacks and not playmates." Those ideas do not sit well with Peter, and although Kimani tells him they are not friends anymore, but servant and master, Peter responds that he will always be his friend.
Wanting more out of life than to be "head man" to a white man, Kimani leaves his home to join up with a revolutionary group. Although Kimani would prefer non-violent methods of delivering the native people from the English, the group he has joined insists that independence will only be accomplished with guns and spilled blood. Eventually, Kimani drinks the vow, which consists of sheep's blood, millet, and earth. As he drinks, he promises "to steal guns, to never be a Christian, and to drive out all English or kill them."
Of course, Peter's and Kimani's paths are destined to cross again, and with both men having a bond of love for the other, can one of them possibly kill the other? Or can the war be won peaceably? These are the questions that play out in this hard-hitting, heartbreaking drama.
While I readily admit I know little about Kenyan history and, therefore, cannot say with certainty that this film is historically accurate, I did, nevertheless, find it to be completely riveting. Sidney Poitier, who I think is a simply amazing actor, was totally stellar in this role. He was completely believable, and my heart hurt for him over and over again. Rock Hudson, I thought, was very good in his role. Despite the fact that he was portraying an Englishman, yet had no English accent, he was completely believeable to me. I could simply "blow off" the fact that the accent wasn't right.
Although tame by today's standards, there were a couple of very violent scenes, which really brought tears to my eyes. The poignant ending, also, brought tears to my eyes. All in all, I think Something of Value is a wonderful movie, and I highly recommend it.
This film is out on DVD; plus, it is available in its entirely on YouTube (HERE). Happy viewing!!
