scratchbuilds another Victorian flying machine.
Some say that it was the success of this film that led Hollywood to produce a series of films glamorizing the British Empire.
The 41st Bengal Lancers are stationed on the North West Frontier in 1905. Lieutenant Alan McGregor (Gary Cooper) is a Canadian soldier eager to fight, frustrated with the more restrained Colonel Tom Stone (Guy Standing). New to the regiment are Lieutenant John Forsythe (Franchot Tone) and Lieutenant Donald Stone (Richard Cromwell). The arrival of Donald Stone, son of Colonel Stone, was arranged by Major Hamilton (C. Aubrey Smith), who wants to reconcile father and son and keep the tradition of having a family member in the regiment.
Their enemy is Mohammed Khan (Douglass Dumbrille), who is scheming to unite the tribes and lead an uprising. Fortunately for his plans, the British are sending an ammunition train to a trusted ally. Khan must locate the ammo train and seize the weapons and ammunition for his uprising.
Will Colonel Stone outwit the wily Khan? Will the Russian spy (Kathleen Burke) trick the young officers? Can McGregor and Forsythe keep young Stone from screwing up?
This movie takes its title (and little else!) from the novel of the same name, with new plot and characters. Most of the film was made in California, with a mix of Indians and Native Americans (Paiutes) as extras; some shots from India were also weaved in.
Gary Cooper is quite good in his role, both soldierly and taking care of the new officers. Franchot Tone often steals the show with his sarcastic character. Richard Cromwell does well in a difficult role as the son who feels rejected by his father. Guy Standing and C. Aubrey Smith are excellent, and give needed British flavor to the cast. Douglass Dumbrille makes a good villain, though he doesn't seem particularly Asian; he gets to say the oft-repeated (and mis-repeated) line: "We have ways to make men talk."
Major Hamilton's rousing speech about the benefits of the British Empire is considered racist by many today. The film was banned in fascist Italy, criticized in China, favored by Hitler, and very popular in England.
The British uniforms worn are anachronistic. A scene with a machinegun is missing its water condenser can, and the gun is surprisingly light.
Can you game it? A patrol action at the start of the film could make a nice scenario. The final battle is also interesting, but I suspect would be challenging to pull off.
Good performances, some action, some drama. Enjoyable. Recommended.