The Snows of Kilimanjaro 1952
Directed by
Henry King
Made by
Twentieth Century Fox
Plot Summary
Michel, portrayed by Gregory Peck, is a steadfast husband to Marie-Claire, played by Ava Gardner, and a devoted union rep with nearly thirty years of dedication at the shipyard. Everything changes dramatically when he finds himself among the 20 workers facing redundancy. Despite his initial decision not to put his name in the draw, his unwavering sense of solidarity leads him to submit it, resulting in a shocking selection that leaves both him and Marie-Claire reeling in disbelief.
As they prepare to mark their 30th wedding anniversary, their colleagues and family organize a surprise party, gifting them travel funds and a ticket to Tanzania, sparking excitement for a thrilling climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Meanwhile, Raoul, Michel’s brother-in-law and fellow trade unionist, indulges him with a cherished childhood comic book that he claims to have stumbled upon in a secondhand shop.
Yet, before their much-anticipated holiday can kick off, fate deals them a cruel blow when their home is invaded by two thugs, leaving Michel injured and Marie-Claire deeply shaken. The thieves make off with various valuables, including the comic book that holds significant sentimental value for Michel. In the aftermath of this traumatic event, he catches sight of two children engrossed in his beloved stolen comic while riding a bus and, driven by determination, sets out to reclaim it.
The quest leads him to Christophe, one of his coworkers who has also been made redundant, and Michel soon learns that Christophe is looking after his two younger brothers, who have been abandoned by their mother. Initially torn about confronting Christophe, he ultimately opts to honor the ideals of his socialist hero, Jean Jaurès, and aims to support the boys during their time of need.
Unbeknownst to Michel, Marie-Claire has already taken the initiative, discreetly caring for the children herself. This reveals the deep-rooted values that have always been the backbone of their relationship. As they foster the two young brothers, Michel and Marie-Claire face the challenges presented by their own adult children’s objections, coupled with Raoul’s shocking confession: that the comic book wasn’t a lucky find but rather something he had stolen from Michel during their childhood.
Timeline
Michel's Dedication
Michel, a devoted husband and union representative, dedicates nearly thirty years of his life to his shipyard job. His commitment to his colleagues and family sets the stage for the challenges he will soon face.
Facing Redundancy
Michel is unexpectedly notified that he is among the 20 workers facing redundancy, bringing a cloud of uncertainty over his secure life. Although he hesitates, his strong sense of solidarity compels him to submit his name for the draw.
A Shocking Selection
To his disbelief, Michel's name is drawn in the redundancy lottery, sending shockwaves through his family, particularly Marie-Claire. This drastic turn of events marks the beginning of a tumultuous period in their lives.
Preparing for the Anniversary
As Michel and Marie-Claire gear up to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, their colleagues and family surprise them with a party. The excitement is palpable when they receive travel funds and a ticket to Tanzania, igniting dreams of adventure.
Gift from Raoul
During the anniversary festivities, Michel's brother-in-law, Raoul, surprises him with a cherished childhood comic book. This nostalgic gift serves as a reminder of simpler times and strengthens their familial bonds.
Home Invasion
Before they can embark on their anticipated holiday, tragedy strikes when their home is invaded by two thugs. The violent break-in leaves Michel injured and deeply traumatizes Marie-Claire.
Loss of Sentimental Property
In the chaos of the invasion, the thieves make off with various valuables, including the comic book that holds significant sentimental value for Michel. This loss weighs heavily on him, amplifying the trauma of the incident.
The Quest for the Comic Book
Determined to reclaim his lost comic book, Michel spots two children engrossed in it while riding a bus. This sight reignites his sense of purpose, pushing him to embark on a mission to retrieve his cherished possession.
Meeting Christophe
Michel's quest leads him to Christophe, a coworker who has also been made redundant. Michel learns that Christophe is taking care of his two younger brothers, who are struggling after being abandoned by their mother.
Supporting the Brothers
Torn about confronting Christophe, Michel ultimately decides to support the brothers in their time of need, honoring the ideals of his socialist hero, Jean Jaurès. His actions embody his deep-seated values of solidarity and compassion.
Marie-Claire's Secret Care
Unbeknownst to Michel, Marie-Claire has taken it upon herself to care for the abandoned children. This revelation showcases the unwavering partnership and shared values between Michel and Marie-Claire.
Facing Family Challenges
As they begin to foster the two young brothers, Michel and Marie-Claire encounter resistance from their adult children. The couple must navigate these objections while upholding their commitment to helping the children in need.
Raoul's Shocking Confession
In a shocking turn, Raoul confesses that the comic book was not a lucky find but something he had actually stolen from Michel during their childhood. This revelation complicates their relationships, blending nostalgia with past grievances.
Rebuilding Lives
In the aftermath of the challenges they faced, Michel and Marie-Claire work together to rebuild their lives, fostering a new sense of family. This process cements their bond and highlights the necessity of compassion in times of adversity.
Characters
Michel (Gregory Peck)
Michel is depicted as a steadfast husband and a dedicated union representative, whose life takes a drastic turn when faced with the threat of redundancy. His character embodies resilience, empathy, and a deep-rooted sense of duty toward community and family. Despite challenges, he remains determined to support those around him, even at personal cost.
Marie-Claire (Ava Gardner)
Marie-Claire is a supportive and loving partner to Michel, showcasing immense strength through the adversities they face. Her actions reveal a nurturing nature and commitment to family values, particularly in caring for the abandoned brothers. She navigates the complexities of her relationship with Michel and their adult children with grace.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in a contemporary period, reflecting the dynamics of modern life in a working-class community. Themes of job security, unions, and family values are prevalent, likely echoing societal changes of the late 20th century.
Location
Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania is home to the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Known for its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views, it's a popular destination for adventurers and hikers alike. The allure of climbing this majestic mountain symbolizes goals, challenges, and the beauty of exploration.
Themes
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Solidarity
The theme of solidarity is central to Michel's journey as he confronts the realities of redundancy and finds himself drawn to help those in need. His commitment to supporting his colleagues and their families highlights the importance of community. Coupled with Marie-Claire's actions, the film showcases the strength found in unity and compassion during difficult times.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, impacting Michel and Marie-Claire in both tangible and emotional ways. The theft of the comic book serves as a catalyst for Michel's quest, while the emotional toll on their family dynamics emphasizes the fragility of relationships. This theme is intricately tied to their journey of coping and support in the face of adversity.
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Family
Family is at the heart of Michel and Marie-Claire's story, as they navigate their roles as parents and caregivers. The introduction of abandoned children highlights their nurturing instincts and willingness to extend their family. This theme emphasizes the complexity of familial love, the struggles faced by parents, and the bonds that form within communities.
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