When the great potato famine hits Ireland, the diaspora begins as thousands emigrate. Among those leaving the Emerald Isle is Katie O'Neill and her husband, who decide that the promised land is South Africa and make their way there. Once there, they discover the hardships that are the reality of the homesteader experience.
Cinematography
CinemaScope South African locations — pure Technicolor spectacle.
Acting
Susan Hayward's ferocious commitment to ridiculous material.
Production
Genuine location shooting that cost a fortune in 1955.
Director
Henry King
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Susan Hayward insisted on doing her own riding and nearly broke her back during the famous zebra stampede sequence. The studio had wanted a stunt double. She fired back: 'I've been thrown from better horses than that.'
This was Tyrone Power's final film before his death at 44, making his character's romantic fate weirdly prophetic. The 'AFRICOLOSSAL!' marketing campaign remains peak 1950s hyperbole.
US
