The film is an odd one for the Fuller filmography. First, it is supposed to be set in Sudan, when nothing in the film resembles Sudan or the Sudanese. Second, Fuller dissociated himself from the film after disagreeing with the producers on using the apparent footage of a stunt diver being killed during filing by a shark (covered by LIFE magazine, and later all evidence of the mishap being mysteriously removed from official records.) Fuller is credited as the director in the final film credits, though IMDb lists another co-director Rafael Portillo. Fuller found the final product to be considerably different from what he had shot. Third, the ending is superb--where the viewer has to figure out the inevitable end--very unusual for a Hollywood film. Fourth, this is a rare Fuller film, which uses a good established actress--the Mexican actress Silvia Pinal, who was chosen by Bunuel in three of his films "The Exterminating Angel," " Viridiana." and "Simon of the Desert." Fifth, actor Arthur Kennedy has an unusual role as a drunk doctor who has a degree from Johns Hopkins University and can still save an injured boy by operating on him in an open bar room with guests, while the doctor has imbibed a lot of liquor!
Fuller's pet theme of family persists. Here, an orphan waif, sleeping on the streets, is saved from possible deadly injuries by a father figure who doesn't even know the boy's real name.
Fuller's pet theme of family persists. Here, an orphan waif, sleeping on the streets, is saved from possible deadly injuries by a father figure who doesn't even know the boy's real name.