Hatari! 1962
"Hatari means Fun! Hatari means Adventure! Hatari means Thrills!"
Howard Hawks' 1962 adventure-comedy *Hatari!* delivers sun-drenched thrills from the untamed plains of East Africa, where a fearless crew captures wild animals bound for zoos and circuses.
Director: Howard Hawks
Cast
John Wayne
Sean Mercer
Hardy Krüger
Kurt Muller
Elsa Martinelli
Anna Maria 'Dallas' D'Allesandro
Red Buttons
Pockets
Gérard Blain
Charles 'Chips' Maurey
Bruce Cabot
Little Wolf (aka "The Indian")
Michèle Girardon
Brandy de la Court
Valentin de Vargas
Luis Francisco Garcia Lopez
Eduard Franz
Doctor Sanderson
Sam Harris
Shopper at Macy's (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hatari! (1962) about?
The film follows a team of animal trappers in East Africa, led by Sean Mercer (John Wayne), as they capture wildlife for zoos and circuses. Their dangerous work takes a turn when a spirited wildlife photographer arrives, bringing both chaos and charm to their rugged lives.
Who directed Hatari!?
Howard Hawks, the acclaimed American director known for classics like *Rio Bravo* and *The Big Sleep*, helmed this adventure gem.
Who stars in Hatari!?
The film stars John Wayne as Sean Mercer, Hardy Krüger as the German tracker, Elsa Martinelli as the wildlife photographer, and Red Buttons in a memorable supporting role.
Is Hatari! (1962) worth watching?
For fans of classic adventure films, *Hatari!* delivers plenty of thrills and humor. While it may not match the pacing of modern blockbusters, its charming cast and stunning African landscapes make it a nostalgic treat worth streaming or downloading.
How long is Hatari!?
The film runs for 157 minutes, offering a generous dose of adventure and escapism.
🎥 Trailer
About Hatari! (1962) — John Wayne's Wild Safari Adventure in East Africa
Howard Hawks' 1962 adventure-comedy *Hatari!* delivers sun-drenched thrills from the untamed plains of East Africa, where a fearless crew captures wild animals bound for zoos and circuses. The film follows Sean Mercer, a rugged American hunter played by John Wayne, as he and his international team embark on daring expeditions across the savanna, dodging charging rhinos and crocodile-infested rivers. With Hardy Krüger as the steadfast German tracker and Elsa Martinelli as the spirited wildlife photographer, the cast brings a mix of camaraderie and tension to the high-stakes world of animal trapping. The story blends lighthearted humor with pulse-pounding action, capturing the raw beauty and unpredictability of nature through Hawks' signature lens.
At its heart, *Hatari!* (1962) is a celebration of adventure, friendship, and the spirit of exploration, wrapped in the golden glow of 1960s cinematic escapism. The film's vibrant setting and dynamic characters make it a standout in the adventure genre, offering viewers a front-row seat to a bygone era of wild, untamed excitement.
