In Desert and Wilderness
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Desert and Wilderness (W pustyni i w puszczy) is a popular novel for young people by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, written in 1912. It is in fact the author's only novel written for children. It is the story of two kids, Staś Tarkowski and Nel Rawlison, kidnapped by the rebels during Mahdi's rebellion in Sudan. It was filmed twice, in 1973 and in 2001.
Contents |
[edit] The book
Although the novel is fictional (apart from the historical events), it was inspired by real events. A Polish boy was indeed kidnapped at those times, but has never been found. An inspiration for Nel's character was the daughter of Sienkiewicz's friend.
In 1961, Marian Brandys published Śladami Stasia i Nel (Following the path of Staś and Nel) and, in 1962 a related Z Panem Biegankiem w Abisynii (In Abyssinia with Mister Bieganek).
Władysław Ślesicki, the director of the 1973 movie released a book, Z Tomkiem i Moniką w pustyni i w puszczy (In Desert and Wilderness with Tomek and Monika).
In 1993, Wojciech Sambory (a pen name for a writing team) wrote Powrót do Afryki (A Return to Africa), as a sequel to the novel (published by Reporter-Oficyna Wydawnicza, ISBN 83-85189-54-8).
Comic-strip Nowe przygody Stasia i Nel (The New Adventures of Staś and Nel) from Piechur weekly magazine is another sequel to Sienkiewicz's novel. It was published online on Retrostacja in 2005.
 |
This article about a children's book is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
[edit] First movie version
The first movie version was directed by Władysław Ślesicki. It lasts about 3 hours, and is composed of 2 parts which were shown separately in theaters. It was released in 1973, but work on it started in 1971. The movie was filmed in Egypt, Sudan and Bulgaria, with an international cast and crew.
At the same time, a four part mini-series were made. They are very much alike the movie, but have some additional scenes and the ones that can be seen in the movie look and sound slightly different.
Starring:
- Monika Rosca .... Nel Rawlison
- Tomasz Mędrzak .... Staś Tarkowski
- Emos Bango .... Kali
- Malia Mekki .... Mea
- Edmund Fetting .... George Rawlison (Nel's father)
- Stanisław Jasiukiewicz .... Władysław Tarkowski (Staś's father)
- Zygmunt Hobot .... Kaliopuli
[edit] Second movie version
The 2001 version was directed by Gavin Hood and wrapped up in only about three months. It was filmed in South Africa, Tunisia and Namibia. The original director fell ill at the very beginning of filming and his role was taken by Hood.
The movie was said to be more modern, notably in its depiction of intercultural relationships. It's not that close to the book and doesn't have its spirit. It still enjoyed a considerable success.
A mini-series were made at the same time this time as well.
Starring:
- Karolina Sawka .... Nel Rawlison
- Adam Fidusiewicz .... Staś Tarkowski
- Artur Żmijewski .... Władysław Tarkowski (Staś's father)
- Andrzej Strzelecki ... George Rawlinson (Nel's father)
[edit] Other Polish children books related to Africa
- Alina i Czesław Centkiewiczowie - Tumbo z Przylądka Dobrej Nadziei
- Kamil Giżycki - Nil - rzeka wielkiej przygody
- Kamil Giżycki - W pogoni za mwe
- Kamil Giżycki - W puszczach i sawannach Kamerunu
- Wacław Korabiewicz - Kwaheri
- Ferdynand Antoni Ossendowski - Życie i przygody małpki
- Alfred Szklarski - Tomek w grobowcach Faraonów
- Alfred Szklarski - Tomek na Czarnym Lądzie
