Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 21, 1990                   TAG: 9004210430
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-8   EDITION: 
SOURCE: CHRIS GLADDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

"MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON" IS THE KIND OF MOVIE

In 19th century Britain, the search for the source of the river that bore Moses through the bull rushes took on the dimensions of a quest for the Grail. Africa's uncharted vastness, exotic mysteries and heathen tribes drew both zealous missionaries and intrepid explorers.

This absorbing and irresistible saga directed by Bob Rafelson focuses on Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, the men who sought the source of the Nile in friendship only to find themselves estranged on their return to England.

Burton was one of Victorian England's most colorful characters: a linguist fluid in more than 20 languages; an adventurer who risked his life to enter the holy city of Mecca disguised as an Arab; a sensualist who translated "The Arabian Nights" and scandalized the more prudish of his countrymen by including the good parts; and an explorer-anthropologist who was as fascinated by the peoples he discovered as their geography.

It was Burton's expedition to find the elusive headwaters of the Nile that the aristocratic Speke - who enjoyed blood sport more than scientific pursuit - joined to gain entry to the game-rich African interior.

Both almost killed by tribesmen, Burton and Speke returned to England and then again joined forces for another trip to the interior.

Burton and Speke are played by Patrick Bergin and Iain Glen, relatively unknown actors who deserve the highest marks for their performances. Bergin gives the dashing and dominating Irishman Burton all of the gusto and complexity the part deserves.

Like everyone else, Speke is awed by Burton but is unwilling to rest in his shadow. As the stubborn, aristocratic and almost illiterate Speke who must play a reluctant subordinate to the erudite Burton, Glen is right on target.

The story - based on William Harrison's biographical novel - begins with the explorers' harrowing expeditions that inflict horrible maladies on both men and continues through the disintegration of their friendship brought about by the dispute over Speke's claim to the discovery of the source.

During this period, Burton falls in love and marries Isabel Arundell (Fiona Shaw) and Speke reveals an attraction to Burton that's more than just friendship.

Rafelson - noted for such downbeat dramas as "Five Easy Pieces" and the remake of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" - shows that he can handle rousing entertainment on a large scale.

"Mountains of the Moon" has it all: high adventure and high drama; gorgeous cinematography and fascinating characters made more so by the fact that they really lived. VIEWER "Mountains of the Moon" A Tri-Star release at the Grandin Theatre (345-6177). Two hours and 10 minutes long. Rated R for nudity, violence and sexual content.