Sword in the Desert (1949) User Reviews (14)

Entertaining Action/War Film

[gordonl56 · 8/10 · 11 July 2014]

SWORD IN THE DESERT - 1949

This is one of the first films to deal with the creation of Israel after World War Two. The British, who were in charge of the area at the time, were embroiled in a battle with the Jewish underground. Their job was to stop the waves of Jewish immigrants fleeing worn torn Europe looking for a home. The British really did not want to be there, but were waiting for a resolution from the UN.

The story itself starts with a cargo ship and her Captain, Dana Andrews. Andrews had picked up a load of refuges in Italy and was dropping them off the coast of Palestine. He is getting 100 dollars a head for his "cargo". He wants to land the cargo and leave pronto like before he gets caught by the British Naval patrol.

He lands the cargo but is stranded on shore when a British Patrol shows. He is forced to flee with the refugees. Now how does he get back to his ship? The rest of the film follows his quest to return to said ship. He also grows to understand the "cargo" is more than just that. They are people looking for a home.

There are plenty of gun battles, chases and a great prison camp escape to keep up the pace. The director, George Sherman, was a whizz at these middle budget action productions.

All in all, this is not a bad way to spend 101 minutes of your time. The cast includes, Marta Toren, Jeff Chandler, Stephen McNally, Peter Coe and Hayden Rorke.

An Adopted Son of Israel

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 20 August 2006]

Sword in the Desert was a quickly made feature film trying to cash in on the headlines concerning the rebirth of the State of Israel. The hopes and dreams of millions of Jews around the world who for two generations sent in sometimes pittance contributions to the Jewish Committee who started BUYING land in Palestine from the Ottoman Empire in the hopes of carving out a homeland for displaced people finally was realized a year earlier.

The origins of Israel are always obscured by Arab propaganda about Zionist Imperialism. The nucleus of Israel is from land BOUGHT and then formalized by United Nations partition. When six Arab nations disagreed and attack Israel beat them back and acquired more than what she was originally intended for. That's also how they later got the whole of Jerusalem, when three nations attacked Israel again in 1967 in the Six Day War.

Dana Andrews plays a captain of a tramp freighter who's making a nice living smuggling Jewish refugees into Palestine. He's strictly a cash and carry operator, but one time he gets himself caught up with his cargo when the British find him with same. He gets rescued by the Hagannah along with the rest of the refugees. After living with the Hagannah and seeing what they're up against, he becomes a committed Zionist himself. Of course the Zionist cause was definitely helped by having the beautiful and shapely Marta Toren working on his conversion. To Zionism, not to Judaism.

The part of Kurta the charismatic Hagannah leader was the one that gave Jeff Chandler his first real notice. Chandler, who's real name was Ira Grossel was himself Jewish and one who felt his roots very deeply. Later on he made a well publicized trip to Israel in the late Fifties and expressed a wish to be buried there. When he died in 1961 his wishes were not carried out by his daughters and his ex-wife. Nevertheless, Chandler always treasured this film because of what it meant to him both professionally and personally.

Stephen McNally has a substantial role as Hagannah fighter David Vogel and Irish actor Liam Redmond plays a former IRA man who joins up with the Jews because the British are tilting their neutrality way over to the Arabs. A lot of former IRA men did join up with the nascent Israeli cause and died for the creation of the Jewish state. Ironic that later on another generation of the IRA sided with the Arabs.

Sword in the Desert was quickly put together and its hurried preparation does show. Still it's a good, but hardly a definitive story about Israeli independence. For that we would have to wait for Exodus and Cast a Giant Shadow.

British versus the Jews

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 27 September 2014]

This is an anti-British film, and apparently the British attempted to limit the distribution.

Directed by George Sherman, the film stars Dana Andrews, Stephen McNally, Jeff Chandler, and Marta Toren. Andrews plays a freighter captain who has agreed to let his ship be used to smuggle Jewish refugees ashore in Palestine. He plans on taking his money and leaving, but things don't work out that way. He's very angry to find himself embroiled in the conflict as the British seek to round up the immigrants and arrest the organizers.

In most films, I think, the Andrews character might have been impressed with the commitment of the McNally, Chandler, and Toren characters and agreed to help them. But this guy not only betrays them once because all he cares about is his ship, but he almost betrays them again. He does come to some understanding and admiration for Kurta (Chandler), but it takes a while.

The beautiful Marta Toren, alas, died at the age of 30, about eight years after this film. Such a shame. She married an Italian director in 1952 and worked in Italy, doing better roles.

Very good movie with an emotional and quite beautiful ending. According to what I heard during a discussion of the film, the British and the Jews never actually fought in battle as they do here, but director Sherman wanted to show that there was indeed a conflict.

The Middle East remains a powder keg, and Israel still has lots of problems. This was pre-Israel Palestine, with the Jews seeking a place where they could be safe. Given what's going on in the world today, I wonder now if anyone can ever be truly safe.

So accurate, the British government tried to limit distribution.

[DaveP-7 · 3 August 2003]

This is another movie I haven't seen in years, although it was last broadcast on AMC. (Despite the setting, it was filmed on the California coast.) Unfortunately, they have not said when, or if, they plan to re-air it.

The story line is quite true-to-life, insofar as historical fiction can be. The number of non-Jewish volunteers helping the Haganah during the Jewish struggle against the British mandate was quite amazing, and they did so for a variety of reasons, from a sense of justice, to Zionist motives, to a desire to get a 'lick in' at England.

British imperial duplicity was so accurately depicted here, that, when the movie was released, the British government protested that it slandered Her Majesty's government. Methinks they didst protest too much.

In reality, there were Brits in the Mandatory Administration who favored the Jewish struggle for an independent homeland, as there were those who favored the Arabs, but most saw it as a foreign posting in their careers, a job to be done fairly, but always with an eye to Britain's interests, even as they protested that they were acting on behalf of the 'natives'.

A complex time, reduced to a movie whose verisimilitude is striking. The Haganah exploits depicted, such as the blowing up of all bridges (not that there were that many) at the borders of Mandatory Palestine, and the announcement of the High Commissioner's replacement (before he learned of it) did happen.

This is the earliest movie about the Ha'apalah, the illegal immigration into Mandatory Palestine before the independence of the State of Israel. Other movies set in the same time and place are Kirk Douglas' "The Juggler" and "Cast a Giant Shadow".

I can only hope it becomes available on video or CD, as I would like to see it again.

An Appeal For Understanding, Empathy and Suppoprt

[redryan64 · 7/10 · 24 July 2014]

PREDATING THE PRODUCTION and release of EXODUS by about a dozen year or so, this film presents us with a fictional account of the movement toward a Jewish Homeland. Basing the story on real life incidents that occurred involving the smuggling of mostly European Jews into the Holy Land, doing so in spite of regulations to the contrary imposed by the British; who controlled Palestine ever since the end o World War I.

ADDITIONALLY, Resistance WAS given by he various Arab peoples who lived there. This is the first dramatization of conflicts and problems which exist right down to this very day, hour and minute.

THE CAST ASSEMBLED was again most capable, talent-laden and appropriately seasoned. Headed up by Dana Andrews (as a cynical, world- weary gentile ship captain), he is ably assisted and supported by: Marta Toren, Stephen McNally, Jeff Chandler, Phillip Friend Hugh French, Liam Redmond and even Hayden Roarke. Many others also participated.

IN HORT, CYNICAL ship's captain (Dana Andrews) has a deep change of hart and a veritable Epiphany concerning hi view of lie and the World itself. His cold, indifferent attitudes slowly get eroded as he observes the determination of those displaced, penniless people, braving it all; in an all or nothing drive to settle in and found the modern State of Israel.

THE ACTIONS PORTRAYED, as well as the characters depicted, were largely symbolic and intended to rally World-wide support for the home-lander movement. We vividly recall one particular exchange among those lines. When Capt. Dillon (Mr. Andrews)) discovers a rebel soldier to be from Ireland and asks him just why he is there. All decked out in his best uniform of the IRA, the Irishman answers; "Because this is where this fight is!"

A VERY MEMORABLE scene featuring Christmas Eve in Bethlehem closes out the movie's emotional appeal to America and the World, regardless of whatever one's religion may be.

Interesting little picture

[frankfob · 7/10 · 14 February 2003]

This tidy little Universal "B" about the Israeli fight for independence would be interesting if just for the subject matter alone--there were few, if any, contemporary Hollywood pictures that dealt with that particular struggle--but this isn't a bad picture in and of itself. Dana Andrews plays a ship captain who smuggles Jews into Israel purely, at first, for the money, but finds himself being caught up in the cause his "cargo" is fighting for--and also falling for an Israeli girl (the exotic beauty Marta Toren, who, although she looks like she just stepped out of an Arabian Nights tale, is actually Swedish). Director George Sherman was an expert at turning out tight, energetic little actioners, and continues that tradition here. The Andrews/Toren romance slows things down a bit, but not enough to do any fatal damage. A neat little picture with an interesting perspective on a subject not often touched upon, with a capable cast, good pacing and quick bursts of action that all combine to hold your interest. Check it out.

An Early Version of Exodus

[BobCanter7 · 7/10 · 14 July 2022]

Those interested in the pre-1948 history of Israel will find this movie interesting and entertaining.

It reminded me in some ways of an early version of Otto Preminger's Exodus.

I think that they could have done more with Dana Andrews' part, but still worth watching.

Shallow but Recommended as a Curioso and Reference for Today

[LeonLouisRicci · 6/10 · 3 October 2014]

Obscure and Somewhat Shallow, this Attempt at Shedding Some Light on the Contemporary Middle East-Palestine-British-Israel Situation/Conflict in 1947 is Hardly Anything More than a Lopsided Account of a Few Boatloads of Refugees Being Subjugated in the British Controlled Region.

As Entertainment, it is an OK Movie. As History Not so Much. At the Time the British were so Incensed that the Film was Banned in that Country for Decades. Elsewhere this Hot-Button Movie was Barely Seen and the Distribution was Minimal and Forget TV. That is Until Recently Thanks to TCM. So there is a Chance to See it Today.

The Cast Playing Mostly Stereotypes does OK with the Material but it is Heavy-Handed Most of the Time and the Christian Persuasion with the Christmas Time Setting, the Carol Singing, and the Heaven Sent Ending is Hokey, but was a Cheap way of Swaying Folks to the Cause.

It is a bit Creepy when the British put the Jewish Refugees, Including Children with Raggedy Ann Dolls in Tow, in a Barbed Wire Encampment (more heavy-handedness), that must have Weirded Out Post War Audiences and Angered More than a Few People. The British were Definitely Portrayed in this Film as Nazi-Lite.

There are a Few Lines from British Commanders about Not Wanting to Be There. "We should let God police the area." Overall it is Worth a Watch for its Place in Hollywood History. A "Lost" Curioso that Certainly hasn't "Lost" any of its Relevance if You Look at Today's Headlines.

Entertaining film on a complex subject

[dmdiamond · 8/10 · 1 February 2021]

Recently discovered this film on TCM-and watched with great interest. Firstly, this appears to be the first Hollywood film addressing the subject of the new state of Israel shortly after these actual events took place so the creative efforts into the making of this film were very raw and very little opportunity for revisionist plotlines are in evidence. The most noticeable portion of the story is how the British are portrayed essentially as transitional occupiers and keepers of the peace just waiting until they leave the region on the verge of war.....not a very positive portrayal but perhaps it was very accurate for the time....The Dana Andrews character is somewhat curious in retrospect since the Zionist organization had its share of more than willing collaborators who believed in the cause.....The film now seeing this in 2021 for myself has been overshadowed but countless screenings of the 1960 film Exodus which goes into far greater detail given its length...All in all, this film does serve as a dated curiosity piece for film lovers of historical subjects.

A necessary film, if not a perfect one.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 26 October 2022]

The few attempts at humor in this post World War II drama about the battle over creating a Palestine nation as opposed to a strictly Hebrew one don't even get a smirk from me as they seemed out of place and forced. There's also not much time for character development so the leading parts come off as written but not expanded into breathing, living people. They basically are who they are and no excuses or reasoning is given for their actions. Dana Andrews of course is always watchable, but his character is presented in a very cold, self-serving light, even though his responsibilities have him doing something necessary for humanity. Marta Toren seems to be the obligatory female, strong and determined, but given nothing really meaty to do.

Even though he has a rather small part, Jeff Chandler had the most possibilities as one of the most memorable refugees, and it's obvious that he has great stardom possibilities. The British character actors playing the heavies aren't one dimensional evil, but it's rather surprising to see one of the great allies of the war doing things that the Third Reich had tried but failed to do, if not to the extent of the Germans.

Hayden Rorke, who would later become a household face on TV with "I Dream of Jeannie", is far from the befuddled doctor, and plays a rather cold character. So it is not a easy film to watch because it's not necessarily an easy subject to write about and get fully satisfying. Easy to see though why there were controversies about this film in England at the time. The sets are realistic in the sense that they show the coldness of the surrounding area and the lifestyles that the refugees have to deal with when they reach the mainland. This is the type of film then which will be more interesting to those interested in the subject, but as a post-war drama, isn't easy to like. All it does is show that even fighters for freedom can sometimes not always be on the side for freedom for everyone which makes it ultimately depressing.

Where are the swords?

[AAdaSC · 5/10 · 5 July 2013]

Dana Andrews (Mike) is the captain of a ship who doesn't mind what his cargo is as long as he makes money. This time around it's people. He smuggles Stephen McNally (Vogel) and some illegal Jewish refugees into Palestine under British rule. McNally is part of a terrorist group led by Jeff Chandler (Kurta) and Andrews is forced to join this gang as they are pursued by the Brits.

The film is OK but it is let down by the terrible acting by all of the English actors. The whole bunch of them play complete buffoons and one of them, who appears late on and is actually an ally of Chandler's group, is straight out of a "Carry On" film. He reminded me of Leslie Phillips and it would not have been out of place to hear him say those immortal words "..ding dong!" as he eyes up a lady. The British seem to be comedy characters who deliver their lines quite atrociously considering this is meant to be a serious film.

Stephen McNally is the best of the cast and there are a couple of good moments but we also get some terribly cheesy religious guff with Bethlehem appearing at the film's end. The best part of the film is the singing of Christmas carols and "My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean" at the British camp.

Excellent movie

[SipteaHighTea · 9/10 · 23 June 2007]

I saw the movie when I was a kid and love every minute of it. I always thought that attacks on the British in Palestine was a rare thing. When I got the book A Job Well Done about the British Palestine Police Force, I surprise how often the Jews particularly the Irgun and the Sten gang fought the British starting in 1943 until 1948. They attack the police stations, RAF airfields, and British Army camps especially after the end of World War II. They also sabotage the oil pipeline going into Palestine and blowing up the railroad lines that would have made Lawrence of Arabia proud. I love the way Dana Andrew's character change his mind in not identifying the leader of the resistance movement after seeing those refugees line up against barbered wire. His character must have saw a similar situation in Europe with the Jews or in Asia with all those Allied POWs in the Japanses camps. Its amazing how anti-Jewish feelings among the people in Europe and American resurface shortly after the end of World War II.

The only problem I had was where the Jews had attack the camp, and despite total surprise, the British manage to get their guns and inflict casualties on the Jews while suffering few of their own. If those were German soldiers in movie, they would been mow down.

Exodus in the desert

[jarrodmcdonald-1 · 24 August 2022]

Dana Andrews was loaned to Universal for this thoughtful war film. He plays an American sea captain who navigates a vessel in the Dead Sea. In order to make a quick buck, he agrees to smuggle a group of undocumented people into Palestine. At times it seems like Andrews is channeling Bogart, since the role requires a certain toughness.

The other leads of the picture are Universal contractees Marta Toren and Stephen McNally. They are cast as a couple of Jewish freedom fighters who are not only in love, but in incredible danger. Toren especially does a swell job as a radio commentator who often criticizes the British military. The Brits are policing Palestine in the months before its liberation.

At one point Toren goes to visit refugees at a remote camp on the outskirts of the desert. A short time later, she gets left behind when a truck takes off without her. While she is stranded and figuring out what to do, she is apprehended by the British authorities. They recognize her voice and come up with a way to prove that she is Sabra, the well-known agitator of the airwaves. Her interrogation ends with her being transported to jail. Along the way she is intercepted by her pals, who've set a clever ruse in motion. As a result, she is able to escape the Brits.

Another on-air agitator is a Jewish resistance leader portrayed by Jeff Chandler. This was an early supporting role for Mr. Chandler, and it was a star-making turn for him. Studio execs were impressed by his performance, and they offered him a long-term contract. He would become one of Universal's biggest box office draws in the 1950s alongside Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis and Audie Murphy.

As for Mr. Andrews, his character spends much of the story being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While bringing refugees from eastern Europe to the coast of Palestine, he gets caught up in the intrigue between the resistance group and the British military. Andrews goes from being in it for the money, to actually developing a conscience. Later he has a chance to betray Chandler and McNally but decides at the last minute not to be a Judas.

There's a climactic get-away sequence at the end, which takes place on Christmas Eve. As a holiday song is heard, tidings of comfort and joy are far from the reality of such a grave situation. The story concludes on a hopeful note, and the filmmakers' attempts to evoke biblical parallels about people in exodus do not seem too heavy-handed.

An early masterpiece

[searchanddestroy-1 · 14 April 2024]

In the Hollywood history, there were not so many pictures speaking of the Israel state birth: the was EXODUS (Otto Preminger), CAST A GIANT SHADOW (Melville Shavelson) and SWORD IN THE DESERT- this very one. I don't know any other film, but after all, maybe there are some existing. But this early one, produced in 1949, is really gritty, accurate, faithful to actual events and an early performance of Jeff Chandler, justifies to watch this underrated film, maybe one of the best from director George Sherman, rather specialized in westerns. It is actually directed like a western, with the same camera movements. Good film, solid script.