Stanley and Livingstone is absorbing and adventurous drama, accentuated by outstanding performances by Spencer Tracy and Cedric Hardwicke in title spots respectively.
Fundamentally, it’s lusty, pioneering adventure, detailing successful attempt of Tracy to find Hardwicke in the heart of Africa. Tracy gives persuasive portrayal as the reporter determined to get his story and inspired by love of Nancy Kelly. Kelly is a most adequate romantic interest; Walter Brennan is excellent as the Indian scout transposed to African plains. Interweaving the dramatic production, in Hollywood, with sequences made for the picture more than year before when director Otto Brower headed an expedition to Africa to obtain background and atmosphere shots on the ground, is excellent.