[log in to unmask] writes: >I am also looking for non-white characters in (not necessarily SF) >films who are technologically savvy or otherwise closely associated >with new technologies. Any help with either or both of these queries >would be greatly appreciated. 'Simba' (UK 1955, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst) is worth a look with this in mind: the opening scene shows an African native riding a bicycle who dismounts and cold-bloodedly murders a white man who has had an accident by the side of the road. One of the main characters is an English-educated African doctor: some of the more reactionary colonists argue that his knowledge of western medical technology makes him a security risk. The whole film deals with the perceived tension between the technology of empire (aircraft, cars, radio, medicine etc.) and indigenous cultures. 'Men of Two Worlds' (UK 1946, dir. Thorold Dickinson) is also relevant here. As far as I know there hasn't been any scholarly writing which sets the film in the context of its production, reception, its propaganda objectives inherent in the film's portrayal of the Mau-Mau Rebellion and the broader post-war independence processes. If there is any, I'd be interested in any references anyone may have to share. There's also a side-splittingly funny scene in 'Windbag the Sailor' (UK 1938, dir. Marcel Varnel) in which Will Hay is washed ashore on a desert island with little more than his radio. He persuades the natives that the radio is a 'man-in-box', and within minutes the Chief has placed the thing on a throne, with a flower garland round its loudspeaker. The natives worship the radio set like a deity as the football scores are read out, while Hay 'interprets' the data according to what are apparently his own prejudices over football teams ('Plymouth Argyle, 1, Newcastle United, Nil!' ... 'Ooh, Man-in-box VERY angry!'). Hay's ruthlessly satirical send-up of 'Sanders of the River', 'Old Bones of the River' (1938, dir. Marcel Varnel) is also very interesting as far as 1930s attitudes to colonialism are concerned (perhaps the British Empire didn't have the rock-solid support of the working classes to the extent that official versions such as 'Sanders' and 'The Drum' imply?), but there's no obvious technology link. Leo ---- To sign off Screen-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF Screen-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]