This film was shot on location in Cambodia, when there was building unrest. The epic was supposed to have been one of O'Toole's finest; but, film critics didn't give it good reviews. Director Jim Brooks had a terrific eye for guiding the gathering of film footage of the majestic natural scenery. The cast is stellar. The story seems as if it was made for Peter O'Toole. Why it wasn't well received when it was released remains a mystery since this is a very fine film. Searching for adventure, Jim (Peter O'Toole), goes to sea on a merchant ship. He's a younger man who's just completed an apprenticeship to become a 1st officer. But, he's been recovering from breaking his leg at a port in the Orient. The vessel he leaves on is the dilapidated Patna. After encountering a hellacious storm at sea, the Patna, its crew & passengers are in mortal danger. As the storm intensifies, the young adventurer abandons ship, leaving the crew & passengers behind. All of them drown. To Jim's surprise, the Patna survives the torrential storm. However, Jim's seafaring career doesn't, after an investigation reveals he became a deserter. Disgraced & guilt-ridden, Jim seeks anonymity & strives to redeem himself by traveling in search of a chance to prove himself. But, everywhere he goes, he's recognized. His opportunity comes when there's a fire on the cargo boat he's working for. Jim puts out the fire. The boat's owner, Stein (Paul Lukas), takes notice of Jim, then sends him to deliver arms to Patusan, an island village in the jungle of Southeast Asia. There, people are enslaved by a warlord called "The General" (Eli Wallach). Before he's captured, Jim hides the weapons. After being tortured by the warlord, Jim identifies with the islanders enough to want to lead them out of captivity. As Jim regains his courage, he helps the islanders stage a revolt against their captor, becoming their inspiration & hero. Cornelius (Curt Jurgens), the General's partner & Schomberg (Akim Tamiroff), a saloon owner, forge an alliance with a pirate, Gentleman Brown (James Mason). When Jim & Gentleman Brown meet, Jim gives Brown a break: he offers to let Brown go free so long as he leaves the Patusan. Gentleman Brown's bent on seizing the arms from the Patusan. They wager a battle & Jim prevails. But, not without suffering a major loss. During the fighting, Waris (Ichizo Itami), his friend & son of the island's chief, is killed. In the end, which I won't reveal here, Jim finds the way to restore his sense of honor~Read full review
Everything I remembered it to be.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
good copy
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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