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Adapted from Joyce Cary's tragicomic novel about his experiences in the British civil service, the film stars Maynard Eziashi as the eponymous Mister Johnson. He works as a clerk for British administrator Harry Rudbeck (Pierce Brosnan), in a small town in West Africa in 1923. Far better educated than any other African in town, he worships all things British and wishes for nothing more than to be considered a British gentleman. Rudbeck harbors the dream of building a "great northern road" which would connect his small outpost with the capital, and when funding evaporates, it seems that work must be halted. Always eager to please, Johnson suggests to his boss that they cook the books to finish the road, and Rudbeck readily approves. Of course, when the scheme is uncovered, it's Johnson, not Rudbeck, who is dismissed. Although shaken, Johnson is soon hired as a clerk in a general store owned by alcoholic Sargy Gollup (Edward Woodward), but is fired for embezzlement. He's hired back as a supervisor on the road project, which Rudbeck's revived, and Johnson's penchant for creative financing is born anew. Eziashi handles a difficult role with intelligence and grace in this subtle, carefully balanced whimsical comedy.
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