J Lee Thompson was regarded as workmanlike director but this film along with The Guns of Navarone launched him to the big time.
The film is set in 1905, there is feuding between Muslims and Hindus as insinuated in the film, a divide and conquer philosophy promulgated by the British. Captain Scott (Kenneth More) is charged with the safety of a young Hindu Prince who he has to take to Delhi. They take off on a train but it will be an eventful ride.
The film was made in 1959 yet the film is rather modern and cynical in the way it discusses colonialism, communal rivalries, even the arms trade. At the same time is also has views that probably resonated in the post war period in which it was made. The colonial superiority that some people have such as Ursula Jeans, the Governor's wife in the film. The British brought civilisation over with them, as if the Taj Mahal was built by magic.
The film was shot in location is Spain, India and in the studio in England. The opening scenes were shot in the Amber Fort in Rajasthan and as we went there the fort did look familiar to us. Tension mounts as we then go to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the train as we find out more about the characters. Herbert Lom plays a cynical journalist, Lauren Bacall the prince's American governess with an enlightened attitude, Wilfrid Hyde White as a diplomat, Eugene Deckers as an arms dealer.
We find contrasts in attitudes which drives the film along with the action as the rebels advance. Thompson directs with a sure touch in keeping the film thrilling. An enjoyable action yarn.
The film is set in 1905, there is feuding between Muslims and Hindus as insinuated in the film, a divide and conquer philosophy promulgated by the British. Captain Scott (Kenneth More) is charged with the safety of a young Hindu Prince who he has to take to Delhi. They take off on a train but it will be an eventful ride.
The film was made in 1959 yet the film is rather modern and cynical in the way it discusses colonialism, communal rivalries, even the arms trade. At the same time is also has views that probably resonated in the post war period in which it was made. The colonial superiority that some people have such as Ursula Jeans, the Governor's wife in the film. The British brought civilisation over with them, as if the Taj Mahal was built by magic.
The film was shot in location is Spain, India and in the studio in England. The opening scenes were shot in the Amber Fort in Rajasthan and as we went there the fort did look familiar to us. Tension mounts as we then go to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the train as we find out more about the characters. Herbert Lom plays a cynical journalist, Lauren Bacall the prince's American governess with an enlightened attitude, Wilfrid Hyde White as a diplomat, Eugene Deckers as an arms dealer.
We find contrasts in attitudes which drives the film along with the action as the rebels advance. Thompson directs with a sure touch in keeping the film thrilling. An enjoyable action yarn.