A Good Man In Africa

United States: 1994
U.S. Release Date: 9/9/94
Running Length: 1:33
Classification: R (Sexual situations, language, nudity)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Cast: Colin Friels, Sean Connery, John Lithgow, Diana Rigg, Louis Gossett Jr., Joanne Whalley Kilmer
Director: Bruce Beresford
Producers: John Fiedler and Mark Tarlov
Screenplay: William Boyd based on his novel
Cinematography: Andrezj Bartkowiak
Music: John Du Prez
U.S. Distributor: Gramercy Pictures

A Good Man In Africa
Sean Connery plays the part of a doctor from Scotland who has come to the African country of Kinjanja. This part fits in well with his accent making him the perfect choice for the person mentioned in the title of the movie. He is the only white man who is not corrupt. The sad part is that while Connery is an important actor in the movie, he does not have the starring role. A British actor, whose role in the film is not as important as that of Connery's, plays that part.

Impressive performance
In spite of the fact that he is not the star of the movie, Connery plays his part to perfection. However, the central idea that the African people need a white man to save them is rather condescending to these people. Connery acts as a kind of conscience, again in his father-figure role, to make sure that everything that takes place is legitimate. He is very relaxed and seems to diminish the other actors in the movie with his presence.

Wasting Time
Many Sean Connery fans were disappointed in his role in this movie thinking he took a back seat to actors that were not as professional and polished at the craft of acting as he is. It is strange to see him playing second fiddle in a movie, but as always, he pulls it off with grace and charm. He appears to be less formidable in this movie. It shows his skill at neing able to play any part for which he is cast.