BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY-1949-A
photographer Charles Harland (Onslow Stevens) and his daughter
Patricia (Peggy Ann Garner) come to “the jungle” to get some
photos. After showing some footage to Andy (Charles Erwin), “a
glorified game warden” and his servant Eli (Smoki Whitfield) they
set off on safari and see lots of animal stock footage. Patricia is
saved from a leopard attack by Bomba (Johnny Sheffield), a white
curly haired jungle boy. He wants to be nice but she pulls a gun on
him so he walks away. Later she asks for his help but he wants none
of her (“You try hurt me”). He cools to her and she tries to
explain what a family is. He tells her about an old guy who taught
him English. He gets shot for his efforts but later shows her around
the jungle and his cave home (and animal friends). She dons a cave
dress and they even go swimming together. When danger threatens in
the form of some hunters Bomba saves everyone by starting a fire.
There's also some talk of Bomba being left alone after his father
(?), a misanthrope named Cody died.
It's based on a series of books
by Roy Rockwood (probably not a real person)and often sighted for it's
racist overtones. The prolific Ford Beebe directed it and a number of
others in the series (there were 12 entries in all). DC even
published a few comics based on the character in the 1960's.
Thanks for reading!
