Baboona (1935)

• 71%
• 1935
• Documentary
• Martin E. Johnson
• Truman H. Talley

Filming Africa both from the ground and from their two small airplanes, Martin and Osa Johnson document the "Dark Continent." Martin's airplane, which is painted like a giraffe and named "The Spirit of Africa," accompanies Osa's airplane, which is painted like a zebra and is named "Osa's Ark." Together, they travel through Africa, capturing glimpses of the continent's natives, wildlife and geography on film. Aerial photography of Mt. Kenya is included in the film, as are scenes of a Masai village burial of two villagers killed by rhinoceroses. Also included is a scene in which Mrs. Johnson shoots down a charging rhinoceros. A bird's-eye view of Mt. Kilimanjaro is followed by a visit to a Pygmy camp and a trip to what is claimed to be the largest baboon colony ever found by an explorer. The film also includes footage of thousands of flamingos taking to the air. Alligators, hippopotamuses, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, jackasses, giraffes, lions and many other African wild animals are shown in their natural habitat.