VISIT TO A CHIEF'S SON

US, 1974, 92 minutes, Colour.
Richard Mulligan, Johnny Sekka, John Phillip Hodgdon, Jesse Kinaru, Jock Anderson.
Directed by Lamont Johnson.

The Third World has emerged to offer a contrast to the old values of traditional East and West. Here, an anthropologist and his young son arrive among the Massai to photograph their ways and ceremonies. The contrast between the ways of the tribal Africans and the sophisticated Americans provides a test of values. The friendship of the Massai chief's son and his taking his American friend on a bush trek and quest show the basic human qualities that make us all equal. The interest in the Massai, their customs and adaptation to the 20th century, make this a good family film, especially for younger boys.

1. How enjoyable and interesting a film? Its appeal to family audiences, and especially to boys? The qualities of the appeal?

2. Interest and response to films set in Africa? This film as a safari by camera? what are the qualities of the appeal of Africa, its terrain, animals and dangers, primitive tribes?

3. The setting of the eclipse and its use during the credit sequences?

4. The Americans: the boy and the father, typical Americans, the anthropologist with camera who wants to learn, the city man, separated from his wife, difficulties in relating to his son? Audience identification with this kind of situation and relationship?

5. The ambitions to photograph the Massai? The mistakes that Kevin made, for example with the gun, with the Zebra? The setting of suspense and conflict of Americans and Africans?

6. How did the Massai contrast with the Americans? Their nobility, their more primitive way of life, the nature of their primitive ways? The importance of their seeing the videotape show? The fact that they were changing, integrating old ways with new civilization? Nemolok and his sophistication, for example flying the plane? The relationship of the chief to his son, the human relationships set in convention and traditions?

7. The importance of the discussions in the film about civilization and what it is to be primitive? The discussions between Robert and Nemolok? What conclusions were the audience meant to draw?

8. The presentation of Massai customs, circumcision, initiations, warrior life, the drinking of blood and milk etc.? Audience response to this, Kevin and Robert participating in it?

9. The significance of the journey of the two boys? The black guide and his skill, the white boy resenting his father, the black boy respecting his? The need to learn.. the natural companionship, e.g. the swimming and the sharing of meals, adventures and dangers, comparisons? The goal of the journey and the quest of the flamingo feather? What had Kevin achieved?

10. Robert's wanting to search? Nemolok's refusal? Finally their setting out? What did Robert learn?

11. The incident with the dying woman and the hyena? Again the contrast of Western and African values? American humanism versus African tradition? Kevin's accepting full blame and the chief's recognition of this?

12. How strong were human values and truth in this film? About civilization, relationships? How valuable are films like this for instruction and entertainment?