Drums of Africa [USA] [DVD] (1963)

Frankie Avalon's beach-movie days were still ahead when he lent his boyish charm and golden pipes to this colorful tale set in 1897, blending breathtaking nature footage and sturdy performances. As David Moore (Lloyd Bochner) and gutsy young Brian Ferrers (Avalon) set off to inspect an African railway site, rampaging wildebeests turn their trek into a struggle for survival. After a hunter (Torin Thatcher) and a beautiful missionary (Mariette Hartley) save the duo, the lady swoons for Moore, but soon needs rescuing from cruel slave-hunters. In no time, the Drums of Africa send out a distress call, and the force of a mighty nation extracts it's revenge. With vicious crocodiles, a risky river crossing, a blazing footbridge and an explosive finale, this is one exotic expedition you can't miss!