Who, of the millions that saw the film on the big screen or rented the video and watched it at home, can forget the pulse-pounding shots as the small craft chugged over the rapids and dropped into the raging water of the falls? Evidently that shot was made "on-location" at Murchison Falls, Uganda.

Sure, by today's standards, the "special effects" were pretty cheesy, and there really wasn't any part of the African Queen that was really "pulse pounding".

Yet, what an entertaining story. Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart conspire to create some steam between them without the need of gratuitous breast shots to, forgive me for this, titillate.

I loved the African Queen, and when I stumbled across the actual craft in my Florida Keys, I couldn't believe it. The original African Queen rests comfortably at the Holiday Inn Key Largo, Mile Marker 100, Key Largo, Florida. Drive into the parking lot, walk to the left of the main entrance, along past the charter boats to the main dock, and there she is!

I wish I'd taken a few more shots than those showing in the slideshow to the right last time I was there. Next time I will, and update this show.

I was struck by how small a craft she is. Through the magic of the camera lens, John Huston, the director of The African Queen, made the tiny interior look large. I suppose it didn't hurt that Mr. Bogart evidently wasn't a big man, and could "scrunch" into her tiny aft deck and cockpit as necessary to make the shots.


The African Queen has been "berthed" in Key Largo since the early 80's.

She's available for special cruises, and periodically is trailered to appear in parades around the Keys and mainland Florida.

If you are a Bogart / Hepburn fan, and you loved their roles in this classic film, do stop in and see the real African Queen in Key Largo. You will be enchanted!

Want more about the African Queen. Here's a "You Tube" clip of the African Queen trailer featuring Ms Hepburn, Mr. Bogart, and some of the action.