From Out of Africa, an Automotive Revelation

Filed in archive Movies on December 25, 2006

Killing time during the holiday weekend (with little else to do) I pulled a videotape off the shelf and watched Out of Africa, a stunningly beautiful movie featuring Meryl Streep with Klaus Brandauer and Robert Redford as her suitors. This period film includes gorgeously-romantic footage of the Redford character's biplane as it flew over the African plains, plus many running shots of early-1900's railway trains drawn by steam locomotives. Aside from its justifiable honors as an award-winning film, Out of Africa is a visual feast for the historic transport enthusiast. Among the carefully crafted scenes, for which credit must go to the cinematographer, are several featuring period automobiles from before and after the Great War. Although I couldn't identify them at a glance I was again reminded of how those vintage machines were built to handle the dreadful driving conditions of their times. Whenever I meet someone who admires cars from the 50's or 60's but complains that they can't relate to the antiques, I suggest they delve into automobile history. Out of Africa hints at this; don't miss Meryl Streep laboriously cranking Redford's vehicle, miles from anywhere helpful, as he struggles to adjust the carb. Believe me, friends, if you've never hand-cranked an unwilling engine, you've never touched the soul of an automobile.