Friday, November 22, 2013

The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries - Mystery of the African Safari (1977)

Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries
Mystery of the African Safari
In "Mystery of the African Safari," the Hardy Boys continue their globetrotting adventure that has so far led them from Paris, to Germany, to Transylvania, and Egypt, this time arriving in beautiful sunny Southern California... whoops, I meant Africa (or a reasonable facsimile thereof).
 
Hunting for Clues
While not one of the best, this was a reasonably entertaining episode. I guess I prefer the episodes with more outlandish plots , you know the ones with Draculas and UFOs and whatnot.

In the Darkroom
It was educational, however.   For instance, did you know that in Kenya the only form of entertainment is watching people dance along to drums, and, no matter where you go in the country, you will see the same half dozen drummers and dancers everywhere?  I didn't know it before watching this episode.

Drummers Perform at the River's Edge
Another fun thing was the casting of actor Albert Popwell as Keino.   I immediately recognized Popwell as "Hey,  that guy!"  A quick Google search told me he starred alongside Clint Eastwood in a bunch of Dirty Harry movies, as well as a host of other shows on TV in the '70s and '80s.  His most famous role was as the bank robber in Dirty Harry to whom Harry asked,  "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya', punk?" 


Hello Dominos?  I would like a large pizza topped with ugali and sour milk.  What do you mean, "do I feel lucky?"
It was also fun to see Anne Lockhart as Frank's romantic interest.  I remember her mostly for her role as Lt. Sheba on Battlestar Galactica.  In fact,  I think I had a medium grade crush on her when I was little boy.

Teen Romance
So, overall this wasn't the best episode, but I liked watching it. But to be honest, I think I'm looking forward to next week's episode, when they return from their world tour, back to the United States.  Now if only they can wrangle up some more Draculas we'll be in business.

"Unfunky Drummer."  Joe Hardy performs with the SAME drummers we see constantly in this episode, this time at a hotel restaurant's floor show.
The Hardy Boys will return next week in, "The Mystery of the Hollywood Phantom."  Judging by the title alone, it sounds like a good one, so I hope you'll be back to hear my thoughts!  Until next time, mystery fans!

BONUS!  MUSIC VIDEO:
I thought this would be a good music video for an "African Safari" episode that was obviously shot in Southern California

The Beach Boys - Surfin' Safari


MORE SCREENCAPS AFTER THE JUMP:



Safari Masters

Ministry of Interior Bureau of Game Preserve

Jungle Cruise

Boatniks

Monkey Vs. Ducks

This SAME Drummers, this time at a rich guy's party.

The Great White Hunter

Fenton Hardy Stands Uncomfortably Close to a Rich White Dude

The Boys rub their shoulders together.  They are required to do this at least once per episode.

In the Guest Room

Picture Book

Boys in Shorts

Developing Photos

Charged by a Rhino

Blood on the River's Edge

Poached Ivory

Ivory Confrontation

It's those SAME drummers again, this time at a theme park or zoo or something.

This guy carries that gun around just to keep people from laughing at his shorts.










1 comment:

  1. I grew up with the Hardy boys and had a crush on Shaun Cassidy - this little blog piece was a fun way to revisit 😌.

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