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Editorial Reviews
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It's never been as revered as The African Queen, but Elephant Walk is a similarly prestigious entry in the exotic adventure movie trend of the 1950s. This is one of those glossy Technicolor melodramas that inevitably climaxed in a scene of tragic destruction, typically intended to teach men a humbling lesson about the forces of nature. In this case, a seemingly delicate newlywed (Elizabeth Taylor) joins her husband (Peter Finch) on his tea plantation in Ceylon, only to uncover mysteries about the plantation and her husband's long-dead father, whose ghostly presence looms over the stately estate where elephants once roamed freely. Dana Andrews is the plantation foreman who catches Liz's attention when Finch is injured during one of many drunken interludes with a band of snobby sycophants; she grows intolerant of them, and impatient with the enigmatic Appuhamy (Abraham Sofaer), a Ceylonese valet who knows more than he's telling. After the plantation endures an outbreak of cholera and a drought that sends thirsty elephants into an stampeding frenzy, Elephant Walk delivers a spectacular finale that's still quite impressive; the sight of Liz fleeing from a pack of rampaging pachyderms is enough to make this a worthwhile diversion. With its exotic settings and fashionable wardrobe, Taylor's fans should consider Elephant Walk a must-see, and everyone else will enjoy the fiery climax. It's this movie's version of the burning of Atlanta, which is fitting because Gone with the Wind star Vivien Leigh was replaced by Taylor shortly after filming began, and can still be glimpsed in a few long shots. --Jeff Shannon
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent early Elizabeth Taylor adult role,
By Simon Davis (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Elephant Walk [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I've always loved this film. I constantly feel that it is unfairly dismissed as a jungle soap opera but it has so many very good things going for it. I feel it was a very important early adult film role for Elizabeth and certainly gives an indication of all the stunning roles coming up for her soon like "Giant", "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "Suddenly Last Summer" etc. She gives here an excellent performance and absolutely holds her own against Dana Andrews and Peter Finch. The look of the film is spectacular and Elizabeth has never been more lovely. I wont retell the saga of Elizabeth replacing Vivien Leigh here again as other reviewers have mentioned it already, bu tthe film does benefit from the stunning on location photography in Ceylon which adds richly to the films quality. Abraham Soefar has a superb role as the mystical and haughty man servant who at first despises but then grows to appreciate Elizabeth's character through plague and then of course the spectacular elephant stampede at the finale which is without doubt "Elephant Walk"s most famous scene. It is a stunner and well worth the wait. I highly recommend "Elephant Walk" for all of you who, like me, love Elizabeth Taylor and know what a fine actress she is. An excellent film to sit back and enjoy....they don't make 'em like this any more!!
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
soapy melodrama with Elizabeth Taylor,
By Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 100 REVIEWER)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Elephant Walk [VHS] (VHS Tape)
ELEPHANT WALK is fine movie starring lovely Elizabeth Taylor in an excellent performance.
A rich Ceylon plantation owner (Peter Finch) falls in love with a young woman in England (Elizabeth Taylor) and their brief courtship gives way to a whirlwind marriage. Once back in Ceylon, however, things cool when she discovers her main lot in life is to play gracious hostess to a never-ending parade of weekend 'guests'. She falls in love with the handsome and understanding overseer (Dana Andrews) before a drought and cholera outbreak threaten everything. The final titular sequence is alone worth the price of admission. Elizabeth Taylor looks ravishing in her Edith Head-designed gowns and acts superbly given the limitations of the material (based on the book by Robert Standish). **Vivien Leigh was originally signed to star but following a severe nervous breakdown on location in Ceylon, the role of Ruth was taken by Elizabeth Taylor, though Leigh can still be glimpsed in the location long-shots**
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Jungle Soap,
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This review is from: Elephant Walk (DVD)
For a good two-thirds of "Elephant Walk" the film is bogged down by uninteresting melodramatics, namely a love triangle involving the film's principal actors(Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Finch, Dana Andrews). The last third of the film is redeemed by a compelling cholera epidemic and a well staged elephant stampede in the film's setting, a tea plantation in Ceylon. The main actors acquit themselves well despite the fact that they are participating in an opulently staged soap opera. Other pluses here are the stunning interior designs and gorgeous Edith Head creations. Of course, young Liz is stunning to look at. That said, if you want to check out a better plantation melodrama "The Naked Jungle" with Charlton Heston and Eleanor Parker would be well worth your while.
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