Bengal Brigade (1954) User Reviews (14)

Rousing tale of the Raj

[lorenellroy · 7/10 · 13 December 2007]

The most surprising thing about this movie is that it was directed by Laslo Benedek ,a man associated with the more serious end of the movie market -as per Death of a Salesman and the Brando vehicle The Wild One .It is set in the year 1856 in British India ,more specifically on the North West Frontier .Rock Hudson is improbably cast as a British army Captain who is tried ,convicted and forced to resign his commission for disobeying the orders of a senior officer even though by doing so he was responsible for the capture of a key rebel stronghold .He becomes a big game hunter but continues to be devoted to the British cause and infiltrates a group of rebels plotting to overthrow the Raj .In between all these distractions he manages to make time to woo Vivian Morrow(Arlene Dahl)the daughter of the regimental commander Colonel Morrow (Tobin Thatcher) Hudson is miscast but battles valiantly with the role ,Dahl is merely decorative as is Ursula Thiess . The best performances -mostly because they are better cast-are given by Thatcher and Dan O'Herlihy as British soldiers

This is a good co-feature movie and will be enjoyed by lovers of the old style "ripping yarn

India adventure with all the usual ingredients , including glowing colour and distinctive photography

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 21 August 2018]

Adventure and thrilling movie set in India in the turbulent late 19th century . It is a rousing , moving , stirring tale , but rough-edged fare . A breathtaking and colorful adventure with great cast and full of action , thrills , battles and love . Rock Hudson that in The Magnificent Obssesion caused sensation here in his most exciting role . The story of a love that was greater than honor and race ; and a courage that stood alone against the fury of India's great rebellion , 1857 . Set in India as the title indicates , half-legend , half-land ...alive and wondrous thanks to spectacular outdoors through the magic of sterophonic sound , big screen , and anamorphic lens . The approaching on anniversary of one hundred years of British rule has brought growing unrest and occasional uprising among the natives . The famed Bengal Rifles Regiment ,Indian soldiers commanded by British officers , have pursued Siri Nath's rebels to the mountain fortress of Malakai Pass . The great desert , thundering path of empire, the fanatic rebel horsemen and the hordes of Siri Nath . And the crowning spectacle of the man who carved a saga of battle and love across the towering peaks of the an immense country : India . There a stubborn captain is faced with restoring his reputation . From marble palace to teeming jungle all India rocked with the violence of the great rebellion !

Adventure movie set in India with plenty of fights , emotion , thrills and overwhelming battles . Dealing with interesting issues such as imperialism , colonialism and racism . One of Hudson' s best adventure movies , but still within his tradition of making adventure movies which spanned around the world . And it packs a colorful photography in Technicolor , with color de Luxe . Rock Hudson as Captain Clayboune plays with some sensitivity the court-martialled officer for disobeying a superior's order , even though this action led to the capture a rebel-held stronghold ; as he is isolated by his colleagues and by the girlfriend's father . Hudson work is well up to his ordinary high standards , playing the tough commander after being harshly disciplined, then he takes his life to get redemption . Rock Hudson gives an acceptable acting as an obstinate officer who is sadly degradated , but whose wartime bravery earns him ,definitively , a string of honours . This is Hudson's third adventure in the East , the others were : Spiral road , Battle Hymm , and Thunder of God . Rock was Douglas Sirk's fetish actor including essential titles as Taza , Magnificent obsession , Written in the wind , among others . While his love interest is played by the gorgeous Arlene Dahl , as well as Úrsula Thiess who married Robert Taylor . Úrsula began her professional career as a model, landing small movie roles and eventually relocating to California, where her Hollywood career bloomed .Her film credits include Monsoon, The Iron Glove and this Bengal Brigade, co-starred Rock Hudson. She also appeared with Glenn Ford in The Americano and with Robert Mitchum in Bandido . There are strong , but brief performances from Torin Thatcher , Dan O'Herlihy , Michael Ansara , Leonard Strong , and special mention for the villain Arnold Moss who often performs baddie roles , among others .

Lavishly produced by Ted Richmond and Universal International , being accompanied by brilliant and glimmer cinematography carried out by director of photography by Maury Gertsman .Shooting in Lone Pine , Backlot, Universal Studios , Iverson Ranch , Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California . Thrilling as well as sensitive musical score by Hans J. Salter and uncredited : Herman Stein and Stanley Wilson . The motion picture was well directed by Laslo Benedek , but it is an unusual subject for Benedek to direct . He made important and decent films , such as : Port of New York , Death of a Salesman , The kissing bandit , Daring game , Assault on Agathon , The Night Visitor and various TV episodes . Benedek drew out convincing, evocative performances from Kevin McCarthy, Cameron Mitchell, Fredric March , Mildred Dunnock and , of course , Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson . Rating : 6, Acceptable and passable film . The flick will appeal to Rock Hudson fans .

A Hundred years of British occupation!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 6/10 · 11 January 2018]

Another B movie that explains a hundred years of British occupation in India, l like this genre of movie, it are cheap entertainment but have a charming of those glorious days in 50', almost done in studios with fine sets gave us a good feeling of nostalgia, Arlene Dahl was so gorgeous, but Hudson didn't like to kiss, sorry for him missing a good opportunite to take in arms such beauty girl!! Fine casting with Arnold Moss, Michael Ansara, Torin Tatcher and the exotic beauty of Ursula Thiess as a friend mine said, how more B, more better it is!!

Resume:

First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 6.5

Life of a Bengal lancer

[dbdumonteil · 10 September 2009]

This "Bengal brigade" is a far cry from Henry Hathaway's classic in the thirties starring Gary Cooper and Franchot Tone ,both more exciting than Rock Hudson -who nevertheless was about to find some of his best parts in Douglas Sirk's great works- Almost twenty years later ,it's the same old song: the British are here to help the Indians ,some of the natives are cruel (like Mohammed Khan in "lives of a Bengal lancer" ) but the moral remains:both her majesty's soldiers and the Indians have got to walk hand in hand and to become brothers.Rock Hudson portrays an officer forced to resign after an unfair trial.Will he betray his queen and country?He is helped by beautiful Latah (Ursula Thiess);actually ,without her,he would be defeated.Arlene Dahl is only decorative ,as the colonel's daughter. It lacks humor,panache ,excitement,magic ,poetry ,all that made Hathaway's movie a classic of the adventures movie,in spite of its reactionary side.

Rock Rules!

[dglink · 6/10 · 18 December 2020]

A fair historical drama set during the British Raj in India, "Bengal Brigade" centers on Captain Jeffrey Claybourne, played by Rock Hudson, who disobeys an order during battle, is court-martialed, and resigns his position in the British army. Although the film is English-centric in its treatment of British rule in India, Hudson fails to convince as an English officer, not even offering a hint of an accent or a stereotypical word like "cheerio." While seeking to restore his reputation, Claybourne becomes unintentionally complicit in the insurgency plot of an Indian Rajah, is romantically involved with the British commander's daughter, and falls under the spell of a local Indian beauty. However, Rock is Rock, and he is a stalwart hero. Tall, dark, and handsome as the movie star he was, Rock is a leader among men, preaches brotherhood, and vanquishes his enemies, while winning the girl before the end titles roll.

Filmed in glorious Technicolor by Maury Gertsman on the Universal back lot and locations in Southern California, the movie is brightly hued and often lively during battles and raids. The photography captures the lustrous beauty and red hair of co-star Arlene Dahl as Vivian Morrow, the commander's daughter, and highlights the glistening raven hair of Hudson, who glows in his brilliant red officer's uniform. Based on the 1953 novel Bengal Tiger by Hall Hunter, the screenplay is concise and largely avoids the laughable dialog rampant in films such as this, although Rock's stoic expressions and deadpan delivery could have used some unintentional humor. However, some viewers may be amused by Rock's admission to Dahl; "I can't marry you." "I know what I am." Of course Dahl responds that she does not care. The fadeout exchange between Hudson and Dahl about thanking the gods will provide a titter or two as well.

Hardly a classic, "Bengal Brigade" is passably entertaining, especially for Rock Hudson fans, but viewers expecting any historical insight will be disappointed. Settle for two photogenic stars in an unconvincing romance, a few Caucasian actors in deep suntan makeup, and some Saturday matinee battles and heroics and 90 minutes will slip by painlessly.

Stnadard Fair but worth a view

[fwpahlke · 5/10 · 13 May 2022]

Rock Hudson's character goes against orders and orders an attack to save his own men that were fooled into an ambush in the beginning of the film. Saving his company he also wins the battle with the 2nd assault. He is court-martialed and that begins the comeback by Hudson that takes the balance of the short 87 minute flick. A period piece, standard in it's presentation and direction, is mildly entertaining. Rock Hudson's character goes against orders and orders an attack to save his own men that were fooled into an ambush in the beginning of the film. He is court-martialed and that begins the comeback by Hudson that takes the balance of the short 87 minute flick. A period piece, standard in it's presentation and direction, is mildly entertaining. Dahl is stunning as usual and Hudson is too as the British officer turned mercenary for hire.

Bengal brigade

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 21 March 2023]

In mid-19th-century India nationalistic feeling is running high. When a British officer, Captain Claybourne, is court-martialled and unfairly disgraced for rescuing his Sepoy troops against the orders of his commanding officer, he receives a tempting offer from a powerful rebel Rajah.

An enjoyable adventure starring Rock Hudson as an officer cashiered from the Regiment for disobeying a direct order, in order to save his men from slaughter. Still Loyal to the Raj and his men, he encounters a plan of an uprising and he intends to quell it. There's some good action scenes, though more in the beginning and end. It can be quite thought-provoking as well as lively and it basks in Technicolor. It's stunningly photographed and features lavish costumes and eye catching scenery. Ursula Theiss -Robert Taylor's 2nd wife - plays a native called Lata, who helps Hudson in his mission. Arlene Dahl adds some glamour. Arnold Moss is suitably oily as the villain. Hudson comes across sincere, emphatic as well as heroic.

Rock trained them well

[bkoganbing · 4/10 · 30 July 2014]

Coming out a year after 20th Century Fox's King Of The Khyber Rifles, Bengal Brigade from Universal covered a whole lot of the same ground, but not as well. Bengal Brigade is a story of the Sepoy Rebellion in India during the 19th Century or at least a small portion of it seen from Rock Hudson's corner of India.

When we meet Hudson he disobeys orders and leads a troop of men to rescue his own former company that was trapped and being cut to pieces by rebels. For that he gets a court martial and he resigns. That also has the effect of breaking his engagement to Arlene Dahl the daughter of his commander Torin Thatcher. Another officer Dan O'Herlihy who lied about some key points at Hudson's court martial is looking to catch Dahl on the rebound.

After leaving the army Hudson starts hearing bits and pieces about a mutiny among the native Sepoy troops. But it comes fast and furious and Hudson along with the rest of the British are soon fighting for their lives.

I don't think Bengal Brigade would do too well if it were shown in India today. The Sepoy Rebellion in their history goes down as the first strike for independence from the British Raj. The troops led by Michael Ansara who stay loyal to Hudson because of his identification with them would be regarded in American terms as Uncle Toms today.

Ursula Thiess plays a strange role as a Hindu dancer who's got a big old crush on Hudson. It's her reason for betraying her own people and aiding him and the British.

King Of The Khyber Rifles was a far better film than Bengal Brigade.

Bollywood would not have shouted "Hooray!" for this one.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 15 October 2014]

While this is certainly a very entertaining movie, it doesn't at all obviously historically accurate. Obviously told from the British perspective, it is the story of the uprising of Indian rebels against the British rule of their motherland and the British officer (Rock Hudson!) who professes love for both England and India. He is put on trial after false testimony concerning an order he was accused of not obeying and he is basically court-martialed. The Indian Raja wants to utilize his military skills to train Indian soldiers to fight against the British army which would automatically make him a traitor or cause his instant death the minute he refused the Raja. This leads to battle scenes where the British, who had basically tried to take over most of the world by this point in real history, are presented as heroes, and the Raja and his followers as the villain.

Centuries of British rule obviously caused anger in the Indian natives, and here, there are also rumors that the British purposely put cow fat on the bullets that they sell to the Hindus and pig fat on the bullets they sell to the Muslims. The Hindus and Muslims believe that this will make them return to the earth as slugs, but as they reveal, this is only a method of the Raja to turn the natives against the British. This makes the rebels rather one dimensional and put sympathy on the English. Of course, with Hudson present, there's also a romantic triangle, with him in love with the General's daughter (Arlene Dahl) at the beginning but breaking up with her out of bitterness as to his fate, and later hanging around a beautiful Indian girl (Ursula Theiss).

The action sequences are well done, and there is also a very tense hunting scene with Hudson and a tiger seeing eye to eye as they stalk each other. It is beautifully photographed and features gorgeous costumes and scenery, but there is never any doubt in my mind that Hudson is not at all believable as being British. So with all the films that Hollywood has made which distort history for dramatic effect or for other motives, its best to take them with a grain of salt, roll your eyes as little as possible, then do your own research to figure out what really happened in the history that they are trying to present.

Stirring Stuff*!

[TrevorLupus · 9/10 · 31 March 2000]

A thoroughly enjoyable story. Rock Hudson is cashiered from the Regiment for disobeying a direct order, in order to save his men from slaughter. He is still loyal to the Raj and ultimately his loyalty to his men is returned to him in the last exciting action scene when India is in the throws of the Mutiny. Excellent action scenes and characterisations make this a movie well worth watching.

Imperial Nostalgia

[nafps · 3/10 · 21 February 2023]

So many whites in brownface. The film seems to live in its own little bubble, partly filmed in India but without a single Indian in the cast.

And the sense of unreality doesn't stop there. Two Americans play British without even trying for a British accent. Every single English playing Indian doesn't bother trying for Indian accents, and half the "Indians" they don't even bother putting makeup on.

But they sure pile on the brown makeup on Ursula Theiss, almost as heavy as her dayglo red lipstick. They also pile on the makeup on the sole nonwhite, Syrian actor Michael Ansara, when he would be far more believable without it.

The result is this film is far from "rousing." You find yourself amused rather than offended, even while it shows all Indians as ignorant, evil, violent, superstitious, and treacherous. The one exception of course is Theiss, who plays a South Asian version of Pocahontas who just loves all them white guys.

Again, it's too goofy to be offensive. You'll be amused at Rock Hudson beating up half a dozen Indians with soggy leaves. You'll laugh at the obvious stunt doubles. And let's not forget the conveniently bad shooting of Indians unless they are loyal to the British.

IRL the "Sepoy Mutiny" was the First War for Indian Independence. It was spontaneous and by average Indian soldiers. Here it's an oh so evil plot by a scheming rajah who fools the gullible Indian soldiers who deep down really really love their white officers. As propaganda this is so clumsy.

B-picture from the 50s

[HotToastyRag · 3/10 · 23 March 2020]

The first couple of years of the decade, Rock Hudson was just breaking into the business, playing bit parts or Indian chiefs. Within a couple more years, he was headlining movies, but not all of them were great. If you doubt that, you obviously haven't rented The Golden Blade, Sea Devils, or Captain Lightfoot yet. I wasn't able to get through any of those, but I did manage to sit through Bengal Brigade, solely because it was Rock Hudson's time as Star of the Week and I thought I owed it to him to review at least one terrible movie.

The story of this one is intriguing, but it's executed so poorly, it's just not worth watching unless Rock Hudson is your favorite actor or celebrity boyfriend and you want to watch all of his movies. Rock is a soldier in the British army in occupied India during the 1800s. He disobeys an order during a battle and gets court-martialed. After a harsh reprimand, he resigns from the army and makes it his personal mission to redeem himself and prove that he's not a disgrace to his country. Along the way, he tries to infiltrate among Indian rebels and reassure his fiancé Arlene Dahl that his feelings haven't changed, even though he can't marry her just yet. Seriously, folks, this is not another Four Feathers. This is a B-picture from the '50s, and if you've ever sat through one of those, you know that you don't want to make a habit of it.

Hizzuh for colonialism and the British Empire!

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 8 June 2017]

"Bengal Brigade" is a strange movie for two reasons in particular-- the casting as well as its championing British colonialism. As far as the casting goes, several Americans without even a hint of a British accent were cast (such as Rock Hudson and Arlene Dahl)...and Hudson seemed completely out of place here. By the 1950s, the British Empire was being split apart and colonialism was on its way out and India had already gained its independence...yet this American film is another 'Hizzuh and three cheers for the Empire' sort of picture they made in the 1930s. We are supposed to be rooting for the Brits in this one...though the Indians were fighting for self-determination, an admirable thing!

The film begins with Captain Claybourne (Hudson) being court martialed unfairly. The problem was that the man in charge during battle was indecisive and suffering from anxiety...and Claybourne took command. Later, the C.O. lied to save his reputation and Claybourne was charged with disobeying and striking his C.O....and soon he's out of the British army. There's some stuff after this...but it's all unimportant until the great Sepoy Rebellion which breaks out soon thereafter (in 1857)...and the film actually did a very good job of explaining it...most other films set during this time don't bother explaining why many Indians revolted against British rule.

Overall, a rather dull film that covers a lot of familiar material but which seems hopelessly out of date with changing times and attitudes.

Brave Leader is Court-martialled ?

[chakotay-70770 · 10/10 · 30 May 2020]

Why on earth would a brave soldier be court-martialled for saving his own regiment from being massacred? If you take time to immerse yourself in this picturesque movie, you will discover the answer yourself...

Was Captain Jeffery Claybourne right to disobey a direct order to save the life of his men? What would You have done, if you were in his shoes?

The story raises more than one relevant question, and is a most thought-provoking adventure. The chain of events that unfold, serve to reveal the definition of true bravery.