Old Bones of the River
1938, English. Directed by Marcel Varnel.
Hay plays Professor Benjamin Tibbetts, representative of the Teaching & Welfare Institution for the Reformation of Pagans (otherwise known as T.W.I.R.P for short), and dedicated to spreading education amongst the natives of colonial Africa. As he arrives (still trying to learn the native language via recordings), Professor Tibbetts is tricked into sneaking a gin still into the country by a local prince. Later, Tibbetts makes his way to Kombooli High, where his students wear Eton collars alongside their native garb and Tibbetts finds himself sporting a mortarboard and safari shorts due to the heat. When the Commissioner falls ill with a dose of malaria, Tibbetts is forced to take over his duties, which include collecting the taxes. Upriver, he finds an old paddlesteamer operated by Harbottle (Moore Marriott) and Albert (Graham Moffatt) and the threesome rescue a baby from death by sacrifice.
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Old Bones of the River
Old Bones of the River isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Availability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Marcel VarnelDirector
- Will HayProf. Benjamin Tibbetts
- Moore MarriottJerry Harbottle
- Graham MoffattAlbert Brown
- Robert AdamsBosambo
- Jack LondonM'Bapi
- Wyndham GoldieCommissioner Sanders
- Jack LiveseyCapt. Hamilton
- Christopher CozierNative Child (uncredited)
- Eugene CozierNative Child (uncredited)
- Joan CozierNative Child (uncredited)
- Joe CozierNative Child (uncredited)
- Napoleon FlorentChief Tahiti (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 1 December 1938
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- Marriott Edgar, Val Guest, J.O.C. Orton
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News & fan talk
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Old Bones of the River: quick answers
Is Old Bones of the River worth watching?
Old Bones of the River doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Old Bones of the River?
Old Bones of the River runs 90 minutes (1h 30m).
Does Old Bones of the River have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Old Bones of the River. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Old Bones of the River parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Old Bones of the River yet.
Which OTT platform is Old Bones of the River on?
Old Bones of the River isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Old Bones of the River?
If you liked Old Bones of the River, try Mr. Bones, The Trouble with Angels, Why Worry?.
Who directed Old Bones of the River?
Old Bones of the River (1938) was directed by Marcel Varnel and stars Will Hay, Moore Marriott, Graham Moffatt.