Is Watusi Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Watusi is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Watusi Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1959, Watusi enters the Adventure genre with a narrative focused on Following WWI, fortune hunter Allen Quartermain's son Harry travels to Africa to search for King Solomon's mines. Under the direction of Kurt Neumann, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from George Montgomery. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Watusi offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Watusi resonates with current cultural themes in the Adventure space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Watusi is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Watusi centers on a unique premise within the Adventure landscape. Following WWI, fortune hunter Allen Quartermain's son Harry travels to Africa to search for King Solomon's mines. He dons a special medallion given by his father from the Watusi tribe, who guard the mines. Along the way, Harry and his friend Rick meet and take with them Erica, daughter of a missionary killed by a local tribe. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1959 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Watusi has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Watusi sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Watusi (1959): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Adventure cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Watusi Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $485,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $1,545,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Watusi Budget
The estimated production budget for Watusi is $485,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Watusi has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Watusi stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1959 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watusi movie hit or flop?
Watusi has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Watusi worth watching?
Watusi is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Watusi online?
Watusi may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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More with George Montgomery
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Watusi movie hit or flop?
Watusi has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Watusi worth watching?
Watusi is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Watusi online?
Watusi may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of Watusi?
Watusi is a Adventure movie that follows: Following WWI, fortune hunter Allen Quartermain's son Harry travels to Africa to search for King Solomon's mines. He dons a special medallion given by his father from the Watusi tribe, who guard the m...
Is Watusi family friendly?
Watusi is classified as Adventure. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Watusi available in?
Watusi is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Part of the Quartermain Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full FranchiseSynopsis
Following WWI, fortune hunter Allen Quartermain's son Harry travels to Africa to search for King Solomon's mines. He dons a special medallion given by his father from the Watusi tribe, who guard the mines. Along the way, Harry and his friend Rick meet and take with them Erica, daughter of a missionary killed by a local tribe.
Critic Reviews
This is pretty much a straight "reimagining" of H. Rider Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines" story. This time, though, it's the son of the famous "Quartermain" dynasty "Henry" (George Montgomery) who alights on the sleepy African village where his father's friend "Rick" (David Farrar) is nursing his beer. He wants to go back to the mines and help himself to some precious gems. Replete with supplies and their native factotum "Jim-Jim" (Robert Goodwin) they set off on their perilous trek. What's missing thus far is soon found as they travel - in the guise of German traveller "Erica" (Taina Elg doing her best Deborah Kerr impression) and now we are good to go with a standard adventure featuring crocodiles, snakes, restless natives, a few very useful worms and some beautiful (and occasionally shockingly graphic) archive photography. The denouement, indeed the last half hour of this all goes remarkably smoothly and is really rather disappointing. Extra points if you can spot Rex Ingram as it meanders along slowly but determinedly and though it's all entirely derivative and has about as much action as an edition of "Daktari", it's still a watchable film that plays to just about every colonial stereotype and is very much of it's time.