“Shout at the Devil” is a gripping adventure novel written by the talented author Wilbur Smith. First published in 1968, it tells the story of two men who embark on an epic quest for revenge against the Germans during World War I.
The novel unfolds in an African setting, which adds a unique and compelling backdrop to the story. The book was later adapted into a movie in 1976, directed by Peter R. Hunt.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricate world of “Shout at the Devil,” exploring its characters, setting, and film adaptation. We’ll also provide a parent guide, memorable quotes, and lesser-known facts about the book and movie.
A Comprehensive Book Summary
“Shout at the Devil” follows the lives of two men, Englishman Sebastian Oldsmith and Irish-American Flynn O’Flynn, who are brought together by fate in German East Africa during World War I.
The two form an unlikely alliance as they hunt for ivory and seek revenge against the Germans who have disrupted their lives. Along the way, they must navigate the harsh African wilderness, confront dangerous animals, and face the ever-present threat of German soldiers.
The journey begins when Oldsmith, a wealthy playboy, arrives in Africa to hunt elephants for their valuable ivory. He meets Flynn O’Flynn, a poacher who knows the African wilderness like the back of his hand.
The two form a partnership, and Oldsmith becomes increasingly entwined in O’Flynn’s personal vendetta against the Germans. As they journey through the African wilderness, the two men encounter numerous obstacles, including treacherous terrain, wild animals, and hostile German forces. They persevere through these challenges, growing closer as friends and allies.
As the story unfolds, the men discover that their actions have significant consequences on a much larger scale. They learn of a German plot to sink a British ship, which would provoke a war between the two nations.
The men must choose between their personal quests for revenge and the greater good of preventing a devastating war. Ultimately, they choose to pursue the German plot, leading to an exhilarating and action-packed climax that sees the two men face off against their German adversaries.
In-depth Character Analysis
Flynn O’Flynn is an Irish-American poacher living in Africa. He is a resourceful and cunning man, with a deep knowledge of the African wilderness. He is driven by a strong desire for revenge against the Germans, who have caused him great personal suffering. Despite his rough exterior, he has a strong moral compass and a deep loyalty to those he cares about.
Sebastian Oldsmith is a wealthy English playboy who comes to Africa seeking adventure and fortune. Initially naive and inexperienced, he grows stronger and more capable throughout the novel as he learns from O’Flynn and faces the various challenges of their journey. His character arc is one of personal growth and transformation.
Rosa is Flynn O’Flynn’s beautiful and strong-willed daughter. She becomes romantically involved with Oldsmith and serves as a source of motivation and support for both men. Her character adds depth and emotional complexity to the story.
When and Where: Exploring the Setting and Timeline
“Shout at the Devil” takes place in German East Africa during World War I, a time of great political unrest and conflict. The African setting provides a unique and exotic backdrop to the story, illustrating the harsh and dangerous nature of the wilderness. The combination of historical context and vivid descriptions of the African landscape adds depth and realism to the story.
“Shout at the Devil” Film Adaptation Overview
The film adaptation of “Shout at the Devil” was released in 1976, directed by Peter R. Hunt. It stars Roger Moore as Sebastian Oldsmith, Lee Marvin as Flynn O’Flynn, and Barbara Parkins as Rosa O’Flynn.
The movie stays relatively faithful to the source material, capturing the essence of the novel’s adventurous spirit and character dynamics.
Comparing the Book and Movie: Key Differences and Similarities
While the movie adaptation of “Shout at the Devil” remains largely faithful to the source material, there are some notable differences and similarities between the two. One significant difference is the portrayal of the central characters, with the movie emphasizing their comedic and lighthearted aspects more than the novel. Additionally, the movie condenses some plot elements and simplifies the story for a more streamlined narrative.
However, the film also captures the essence of the novel’s adventurous spirit, with thrilling action sequences and beautiful depictions of the African wilderness. The character dynamics between Oldsmith, O’Flynn, and Rosa are well-represented, staying true to the core relationships established in the book.
Parent Guide: What to Know Before Watching the Movie
“Shout at the Devil” is an action-packed adventure film that may be suitable for older children and teens, but parents should be aware of some potentially objectionable content.
The movie contains scenes of violence, including gunfights and animal attacks, as well as some profanity and sexual innuendo. Parents should use their discretion when deciding if the film is appropriate for their children.
Memorable Quotes from the Book and Movie
Here are some memorable quotes from both the book and movie adaptation of “Shout at the Devil”:
- “Africa is a cruel country; it takes your heart and grinds it into powdered stone – and no-one minds.” – Wilbur Smith, “Shout at the Devil”
- “We’ll fight them. By God, we’ll fight them to the death!” – Flynn O’Flynn, “Shout at the Devil” (1976)
- “What a lovely day for a war.” – Sebastian Oldsmith, “Shout at the Devil” (1976)
The Soundtrack by Maurice Jarre: A Closer Look
The soundtrack for “Shout at the Devil” was composed by the renowned French composer Maurice Jarre, best known for his work on films such as “Doctor Zhivago” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” Jarre’s score for “Shout at the Devil” captures the excitement and adventure of the story, with sweeping orchestral themes that evoke the African setting and the thrilling action sequences.
Curiosities and Lesser-Known Facts
Here are some interesting facts and curiosities about “Shout at the Devil”:
- The novel was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Wilbur Smith as a popular author of adventure novels.
- The movie adaptation was filmed on location in Africa, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
- Roger Moore, who played Sebastian Oldsmith in the film, was also well-known for his role as James Bond in several films during the 1970s and 80s.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Your Favorite Characters
If you’re a fan of “Shout at the Devil” and want to dress up as your favorite characters for a cosplay event, here are some tips:
- For Flynn O’Flynn, try wearing a rugged, safari-style outfit with a hat, boots, and a bandana. Accessorize with a fake gun or rifle for a true poacher look.
- For Sebastian Oldsmith, wear a more sophisticated outfit, such as a suit or a white linen shirt with a vest and trousers. Add a hat and a pair of binoculars to complete the look.
- For Rosa O’Flynn, opt for a simple yet elegant dress in earthy tones, with a shawl or scarf to add a touch of sophistication.
Wilbur Smith: The Author’s Life and Works
Wilbur Smith is a renowned author of adventure novels, known for his vivid storytelling and memorable characters. Born in Zambia in 1933, he grew up in Africa and used his experiences to craft rich and engaging stories set in the African wilderness.
Some of his other popular works include “The Dark of the Sun,” “When the Lion Feeds,” and “The Diamond Hunters.”
Director Peter R. Hunt’s Other Media Contributions
Peter R. Hunt is a British film director, known for his work on several James Bond films, including “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and “Goldfinger.” In addition to directing “Shout at the Devil,” Hunt also worked on films such as “Death Hunt” and “Wild Geese II.”
Similar Books and Movies to “Shout at the Devil”
If you enjoyed “Shout at the Devil,” you might also like these similar books and movies:
- “King Solomon’s Mines” by H. Rider Haggard: A classic adventure novel set in Africa, with a treasure-hunting protagonist and thrilling action.
- “The African Queen” by C.S. Forester: A novel about an unlikely alliance between a British woman and a rough boat captain during World War I, later adapted into a movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
- “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen: A memoir about the author’s life in Kenya during the early 20th century, later adapted into an award-winning movie starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
Exploring the Possibility of a Remake, Sequel, or Spin-Off
While there has not been any official news regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off of “Shout at the Devil,” the novel’s enduring popularity and the current trend of adapting classic stories for modern audiences suggest that it could be a possibility in the future.
Book Club Discussion Questions
If you’re planning to discuss “Shout at the Devil” in a book club setting, consider these discussion questions:
- How does the African setting contribute to the story’s atmosphere and themes?
- What is the significance of the title “Shout at the Devil”? How does it relate to the characters and their journey?
- How do the characters of Flynn O’Flynn and Sebastian Oldsmith change and grow throughout the novel? What factors contribute to their transformation?
Video Games Inspired by “Shout at the Devil”
While there are no video games directly based on “Shout at the Devil,” fans of the novel and movie might enjoy adventure games set in Africa, such as “Far Cry 2” and “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.”
A Travel Guide to Visit “Shout at the Devil” Film Locations
If you’re interested in visiting the locations where “Shout at the Devil” was filmed, consider a trip to Africa, where you can explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that inspired the story.
Some popular destinations include Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, which offer a variety of safari experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of the continent.
Conclusion
“Shout at the Devil” is a thrilling adventure novel and film that transports readers and viewers to the African wilderness during World War I.
With memorable characters, a captivating setting, and an action-packed story, it’s no wonder that the novel and movie have endured as favorites among fans of adventure stories.
Whether you’re reading the book, watching the movie, or exploring the real-life locations that inspired the story, “Shout at the Devil” offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.
