Stanley and Livingstone

Stanley and Livingstone

Year: 1939

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Directors: Henry King, Otto Brower

AdventureHistory

He returns from the western wars and, urged by editor James Gordon Bennett, journeys into Africa to locate the missing Scottish missionary Dr. David Livingstone. Stanley finds Livingstone, who is distributing medicine and faith to local tribes, and famously says, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” Though initially doubted, a girl's belief drives him onward.

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Timeline & Setting – Stanley and Livingstone (1939)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stanley and Livingstone (1939). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1870s

Set in the 1870s, the film captures the era of exploration in Africa and North America, characterized by expeditions, colonial interests, and the pursuit of scientific discovery. This period was marked by European colonial expansion and significant geographical exploration efforts.

Location

Wyoming Territory, Zanzibar, Lake Tanganyika, Africa, London

The movie spans multiple locations, including the less-explored Wyoming Territory and various parts of Africa such as Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika. London serves as the backdrop for the British Society's meeting. These places are known for their historical significance, wilderness, and colonial influence during the 19th century.

🌍 Remote 🌍 Unmapped 🌍 Colonial 🏝️ Exotic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Main Characters – Stanley and Livingstone (1939)

Meet the key characters of Stanley and Livingstone (1939), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Henry Stanley (Spencer Tracy)

A fearless and determined newspaper reporter, Henry Stanley is driven by ambition and curiosity. Throughout the film, he evolves from a cynical journalist into a dedicated explorer, motivated by a sense of adventure and personal connections.

🥇 Determined 🧭 Adventurous 🎯 Ambitious

Eve Kingsley (Nancy Kelly)

Eve is a compassionate and resourceful young woman in Zanzibar, involved in personal and romantic struggles. Her relationship with Stanley and Gareth reflects themes of love and loyalty amidst the chaos of exploration.

💓 Romantic 🌺 Compassionate 🌍 Culturally aware

Dr. David Livingstone (Cedric Hardwicke)

The revered missionary and explorer, Livingstone symbolizes discovery and humanitarian efforts in Africa. His presence in the film underscores themes of integrity, service, and courage in uncharted lands.

🌍 Heroic 🧭 Wise 🤝 Humanitarian

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Major Themes – Stanley and Livingstone (1939)

Explore the central themes of Stanley and Livingstone (1939), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗺️ Exploration

The central theme is exploration, depicting the daring efforts to map uncharted territories in Africa and North America. It emphasizes adventure, discovery, and the drive to uncover the unknown despite risks.

🤝 Diplomacy & Relations

The movie highlights interactions between explorers, colonial authorities, and indigenous peoples. It explores themes of diplomacy, cultural encounter, and the complex dynamics of colonial influence during the era.

💖 Love & Personal Growth

Personal relationships significantly influence the story, especially Stanley’s love for Eve and his transformation from a cynical reporter to a dedicated explorer. The film explores themes of love, commitment, and personal evolution amid adventure.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

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Stanley and Livingstone Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Stanley and Livingstone, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Stanley and Livingstone Summary

Stanley and Livingstone Timeline

Track the full timeline of Stanley and Livingstone with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Stanley and Livingstone Timeline

Stanley and Livingstone Spoiler-Free Summary

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Stanley and Livingstone Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Stanley and Livingstone

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Stanley and Livingstone: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Stanley and Livingstone