If you are looking for a DVD copy of the film contact
me.
Cast |
Foreign Titles | Notes | Pictures
| Plagiarism | Quotes | Synopsis - Official
| Character | Actor |
| Dr. Albert Schweitzer | Malcolm McDowell |
| Helene Schweitzer | Susan Strasberg |
| Dr. Lionel Curtis | Andrew Davis |
| Joseph | Patrick Shai |
| Horton Herschel | John Carson |
| Amanda Hampton | Helen Jessop |
| Oganga | Henry Cele |
| Dr. Bergman | Michael Huff |
| Rachel | Barbara Nielsen |
| Focault | Stuart Parker |
| Maria | Masabatha Jafta |
| Adriana | Dominique Moser |
| Dr. Pasqual | Michael Khumalo |
| Chef | Roy Dhlamini |
| Paris Missionary Society Man | Martin Adamiel |
| Doctor | Greg Humphries |
| Doctor | Barry Meehan |
| Nurse | Bella Mariani |
| Nurse | Alison Cassels |
| Nurse | Brenda Radloff |
| Nurse | Lesley Rochat |
| Nurse | Jane Warren |
| Oganga's Assistant | Conrad Magwaza |
| Stunt Player | Deon Van Schoor |
Directed by
Gray Hofmeyr
Written by Michel W. Potts
Germany - Jenseits der Dunkelheit
Portugal - Missão Lambarene
South Africa - Lambarene
UK Theater - Schweitzer
UK Video - Out of Darkness
US Theater - The Story of Dr. Albert Schweitzer
US Video - The Light in the Jungle
89 minutes, PG. Hi Fi Stereo
Film
Young Dr. Schweitzer
Malcolm's screen credit
Older Dr. Schweitzer looking in a cage
Memorabilia
VHS
Cover - Front
VHS Cover - Back
The producers of the film were sued for plagiarism and LOST. While the film was released on VHS and LD initially by Live Home Video, it went out of print in 1993 and is somewhat rare. Therefore it will never be released on DVD or any forthcoming format.
The ban of the complete film is a thorn in Malcolm's side as he considers it one of his best performances and no one will ever see it.
From my exclusive Interview with Malcolm McDowell 8/11/07
It wasn't even called The Light in the Jungle. What happened was I get there and what I didn't know was the script had been plagiarized. So I of course merrily shot the movie. It was out on video, but it's different because they had to cut out chunks of it because they had stolen someone else's script, that's how they do things in South Africa. It was a really bizarre. Actually the film turned out pretty well, a friend of mine saw it when they showed it at Cannes.
From my exclusive Interview with Malcolm McDowell 8/11/07
Malcolm: They were literally waiting for me to arrive. It was weird I was doing another film and they were doing shots of insects.
Q: B-roll stuff?
A: Yeah, so I eventually I get there and the director was possibly the worst I've ever worked with, a real South African nitwit, not good. But actually the film was pretty good, I must say when when I saw it together I was amazed. He kept saying (does accent), 'Now, I want choo to cry.' For what? Why? I'm playing Albert Schweitzer, what am I crying for? 'Because he's veddy, veddy sad.' I went don't be such an idiot, Christ all mighty, where did you learn all this from?! There's too much apartheid, you've been isolated too long here. There's a world outside and you better catch up. The first shot he wanted me to dig a hole, Schweitzer building this thing. He goes, 'Malcolm, I want you to bend down and pick up this frog, look at the frog and smile.' I said you've got to be kidding right? I pick up the frog and smile at the frog? I thought I was playing Albert Schweitzer, not a fucking lunatic! (Laughs) This is how we started the film. I went, I'm not smiling at a fucking frog!
Q: Can't smile without a reason.
A: Yeah, exactly. So the guy couldn't believe it. I said that was so stupid. I was battling with this guy every day and going 'No!' Kelley has this video where she's shooting the director who's sitting down like this (he puts his head in his hands) and off screen all you hear is me going No! No! No! No! No! NO!! (Laughs) It was hilarious, it was like pulling teeth. So I'm revisiting that character. I was 46 when I played Albert Schweitzer who was supposed to be in his 70s. There were some beautiful things. I'll never forget there was a great set they built for Lambarene, this village where he cured the sick and all that. They actually built it, it wasn't a one dimensional set, this was real housing, wood, the whole village was built, it was pretty amazing. When we left I heard I a whole tribe of Zulus moved in and took over.
Already an accomplished musician and scholar, Albert Schweitzer becomes a doctor at the age of 30 and goes on to establish his jungle hospital in Africa. Here he battles nature's fury, human fears and conflicting philosophies of the people funding his efforts. But, sustained by his faith, and the companionship of his dedicated wife, Schweitzer refuses to be defeated and continues the work that made his name synonymous with helping others, healing and hope.
© 2006-10 Alex D. Thrawn for www.MalcolmMcDowell.net