Director Ken Annakin helms this rousing action tale set in the 1920s of an Indian leader (Yul Brynner) who is radicalized when his tribe is falsely accused of being bandits and imprisoned by a sadistic British colonial officer (Harry Andrews). He revolts, partially at the instigation of a violent cohort (Andrew Keir, of Quatermass and the Pit), and when officer Andrews’ brutal strategy fails to neutralize Brynner, a tribal expert (Trevor Howard) is brought in to take a different approach. Howard almost immediately gains respect for the persecuted Brynner and tries to engineer a peaceful surrender, something which Brynner rejects. Co-starring Charlotte Rampling.
“A classic adventure tale of a rebel and his men facing off against authority figures, some of whom hate him for who he is, others sympathize and perhaps even tacitly support him – it could quite easily be transplanted into any time or setting… well paced and benefits from solid direction… fine acting throughout. An enjoyable film and one for all classic adventure movie fans.” – Timothy Young, Mondo Esoterica
