Kiirastulessa

Saw 'Kings Go Forth' as part of my Tony Curtis completest quest after being recommended many of his films here in the recommended for you section. It was not something that was intended initially but actually it has proven to be a generally worthwhile experience, even with a couple of missteps.

While there were and are better actors about and he didn't always look comfortable in his early films, Curtis was always immensely likeable and had a charming charisma with many good and more performances under his belt. The cover and premise (haven't admittedly read the source material) were great and further talent like Natalie Wood and Frank Sinatra were ingredients enough to want to see 'Kings Go Forth'.

For me, 'Kings Go Forth' is uneven but quite decent, although remembered fondly by other reviewers here it is generally better than given credit for.

Its weak link is the far too melodramatic and soapy ending, while the script is not without its contrivances, over-explanatory moments and parts that are interesting for its time but don't necessarily hold up.

While there is some hard-hitting action the war scenes are too few and they are out of kilter with the racial melodrama.

However, 'Kings Go Forth' is carried by its sterling cast with Frank Sinatra giving one of his best film performances and Tony Curtis bringing charm and intensity to one of his better dramatic roles. Lorea Dana is superb as the mother and Karl Swenson is a suitably authoritative Colonel. Natalie Wood's French accent and being black may be a stretch, but it does not stop her being fetching and touching. The romantic chemistry resonates emotionally and rings true. The direction is more than competent and paced well, even if not the most inspired.

Visually, 'Kings Go Forth' is nicely shot and atmospheric. Elmer Bernstein's score is sensual and rousing, and hearing the beautiful "Monique" was a sheer delight. Other parts of the script are thoughtful and sincere. The racial melodrama aspect of the story avoids being heavy-handed just about, for such a heavy and difficult subject, and is genuinely moving, despite falling into soap opera towards the end. The film didn't feel dull to me.

Overall, decent. 7/10 Bethany Cox