Hatari!

Hatari
1962 -- Not Rated
Director: Howard Hawks
John Wayne, Red Buttons, Hardy Kruger, Elsa Martinelli

Set in the plains of Africa, John Wayne and ensemble are modern day wranglers only they capture wild African animals to export to zoos around the world. The film on whole is average fare but it is an enjoyable view. Red Buttons as "Pockets" almost steals the movie from the stoic John Wayne. Hatari is probably more notable because of its Henry Mancini soundtrack which features the tune "Baby Elephant Walk." But it is the opening score which is really dynamite. "Sounds of Hatari" is nothing but percussion. It starts out slow and works its way up to a frenzied cacophony of beating drums. On the soundtrack album the tune lasts only six minutes and fortyone seconds though it seems like fifteen (an enjoyable fifteen) and it leaves you breathless.

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