"Thunder in the East" is a very rare film for Hollywood, as it concerns the turbulent time just after the British surrender of India in 1947. While the film never really explores the depth of the sectarian violence of the time (the northern part of India and East and West Pakistan became a bloodbath), it does talk about one small region in the north where the violence is headed--though the film fictionalizes this place and never discusses the religious divisions between Muslims and Hindus that led to the violence. But, at least it does discuss it--something oddly ignored in American films since an estimated 500,000 (or more--some estimates are much higher) were killed during this period. The transition from British to home rule was NOT a simple or bloodless process.
The film begins with a pilot (Alan Ladd in his typical tough-guy role) landing in Ghandahar. He's not there on a mission of mercy--but to sell arms to the local government so they can beat off an anticipated attack by rebels. But, oddly, they are not particularly interested in the weapons and Ladd's quest for riches is frustrated. When he instead hopes to make money charging the Brits to leave in his plane, this plan also backfires and his plane is destroyed. What's to come of him, the locals and the British nationals? The film suffers from one huge problem as you watch---the Indian characters are NOT played by Indians but westerners (such as Charles Boyer and John Abbott). Now I understand that Hollywood did not have tons of Indians (the Asian type) readily available but couldn't they have used the ones they DID have available (such as Sabu) or imported some for the picture? This sort of silly ethnic casting was the norm at the time but seriously hurts the overall product. To me, it makes the film seem patronizing and false.
Now if you can ignore this, how is the film otherwise? Is it entertaining? Well, it is...but Ladd pretty much plays the same grumbly, mercenary guy he played in most of his films. This guy in "Thunder in the East" is no Shane--just the usual grumpus who seems eternally perturbed and unable to smile. For Ladd fans (like myself), it is certainly a case of déjà vu despite the unusual setting--even with the romance between him and Deborah Kerr and his change of heart later in the film. Other folks NOT so familiar with Ladd would probably not notice this and would probably get more out of his somewhat stereotypical performance. The film is a decent drama nonetheless...and slightly better than just a time-passer--not that this is a glowing endorsement.
By the way, during the 'payoff scene' (where Ladd decks a man), watch carefully. While the guy is NOT supposed to know that he's about to be slugged, you can clearly see the actor reacting BEFORE Ladd even delivers the punch! This shot should have been redone and is rather funny to see...but watch close! For a similar but even funnier mistake, see "North By Northwest" and pay close attention to the scene in the lodge near Mount Rushmore. A man is, completely unexpectedly, shot...yet an extra (some kid) has his fingers in his ears in anticipation of the gun firing!! I love seeing these sorts of goofs! And, by the way, in another Ladd film (the much better "Appointment With Danger"), Ladd also decks another guy (Jack Webb) in a similar fashion and the scene was done perfectly.
The film begins with a pilot (Alan Ladd in his typical tough-guy role) landing in Ghandahar. He's not there on a mission of mercy--but to sell arms to the local government so they can beat off an anticipated attack by rebels. But, oddly, they are not particularly interested in the weapons and Ladd's quest for riches is frustrated. When he instead hopes to make money charging the Brits to leave in his plane, this plan also backfires and his plane is destroyed. What's to come of him, the locals and the British nationals? The film suffers from one huge problem as you watch---the Indian characters are NOT played by Indians but westerners (such as Charles Boyer and John Abbott). Now I understand that Hollywood did not have tons of Indians (the Asian type) readily available but couldn't they have used the ones they DID have available (such as Sabu) or imported some for the picture? This sort of silly ethnic casting was the norm at the time but seriously hurts the overall product. To me, it makes the film seem patronizing and false.
Now if you can ignore this, how is the film otherwise? Is it entertaining? Well, it is...but Ladd pretty much plays the same grumbly, mercenary guy he played in most of his films. This guy in "Thunder in the East" is no Shane--just the usual grumpus who seems eternally perturbed and unable to smile. For Ladd fans (like myself), it is certainly a case of déjà vu despite the unusual setting--even with the romance between him and Deborah Kerr and his change of heart later in the film. Other folks NOT so familiar with Ladd would probably not notice this and would probably get more out of his somewhat stereotypical performance. The film is a decent drama nonetheless...and slightly better than just a time-passer--not that this is a glowing endorsement.
By the way, during the 'payoff scene' (where Ladd decks a man), watch carefully. While the guy is NOT supposed to know that he's about to be slugged, you can clearly see the actor reacting BEFORE Ladd even delivers the punch! This shot should have been redone and is rather funny to see...but watch close! For a similar but even funnier mistake, see "North By Northwest" and pay close attention to the scene in the lodge near Mount Rushmore. A man is, completely unexpectedly, shot...yet an extra (some kid) has his fingers in his ears in anticipation of the gun firing!! I love seeing these sorts of goofs! And, by the way, in another Ladd film (the much better "Appointment With Danger"), Ladd also decks another guy (Jack Webb) in a similar fashion and the scene was done perfectly.