"Mountains of the Moon" is a historical biodrama which focuses on British explorer Capt. Richard Burton (Bergin) during that portion of his life when, accompanied by John Speke, he ventured into Africa (circa mid 1800's) in search of the much sought after source of the Nile river. Though Burton and Speke were adventurers of the first order, their position in history is somewhat obscure and esoteric making the substance of the film of questionable value to the public at large. The film seems to spread itself so thin in its attempt to be all things to all people as to lack focus and fall short of the epic it was probably intended to be. Nonetheless, "M of the M" should be time well spent for those interested in the exploration of the dark continent or expeditionary adventure in general. (B)
Review of Mountains of the Moon
