Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32664 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-03-17
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 110 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Far too many film versions of the The Four Feathers have been made over the years, which is especially surprising considering that this 1939 Korda brothers production is surely definitive. The film simultaneously celebrates and pokes fun at British imperialism, showing the kind of dogged stiff-upper-lippery that forged an empire, but also the blinkered attitudes and crass snobbishness of the ruling classes (and those plummy accents--did people ever really talk like that?). Whatever political subtext may or may not be read into it, though, the film is best celebrated for its magnificent vistas: partially made on location in the Sudan, as well as at the famous Denham Studios, this is British cinema from the days when it thought to rival Hollywood for sheer spectacle. Vincent Korda's production design and the glorious early colour cinematography are helped greatly by fellow Hungarian émigré Miklos Rozsa's epic score.

John Clements is the notional hero, the man who is determined to show the world he is not a coward after resigning his commission (even though it would surely have saved everyone a lot of bother if he had just stuck with it) but the film is stolen by Ralph Richardson, magnificent as an officer struck blind and led to safety by Clements' Harry Faversham. The latter scenes when Richardson's Captain Durrance realises the truth and its implications are the most poignant and emotionally truthful in the film. C Aubrey Smith is delightful as the old buffer who relives his battles on the dinner table; to a modern audience, however, the "blackface" casting of John Laurie as the Khalifa strikes a discordant note. But adjusting some expectations for its vintage, this is a triumph of derring-do and far and away the most gripping version of this oft-told story on film. --Mark Walker

Special Features
4:3
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital Mono English
Dolby Digital Mono
Theatrical Trailer

Synopsis
Taunted by his friends and his lover for cowardice, a soldier (John Clements) heads for the distant war in Egypt on a mission to redeem himself. Alexander Korda offers the original adaptation of A. E. W. Mason's 1902 novel, directing a stunning cast to create an adventure classic. Academy Award Nominations: Best Colour Cinematography.

Customer Reviews

Highly subversive fun
The Korda 'Feathers' is a marvellous treat, in almost all categories superior to the recent remake which looks embarassingly bland in comparison.
Korda's film has edge, political rather than social, in its satire, and it raises the imperialist issue and questions patriotic flagwaving to an extent that makes it highly relevant today. Its jokes are consistently subversive, even more so today in the wake of the Iraqi war.
The film has an abounding authenticity when dealing with Egyptians and locations, and although the first battle seems rather lowbudget compared to the grandeur of the recent remake, overall this 1939 spectacularly Technicoloured film has all the production values one could wish for. This edition has been lovingly produced and is a joy to watch.

A thoroughly top notch adventure in the boys own mould
An Alexander Korda "British Empire" classic which tells the story of a young army officer, Harry Faversham. Harry resigns from his regiment on moral grounds when it is called up for action in North Africa. His chums and sweetheart each give him a white feather symbolising his cowardice. He then goes undercover to follow his comrades into the thick of the action to reclaim his honour by returning each feather. A spiffing, colourful, all action yarn of the days when men were gentlemen and ladies crocheted.

Classic Sunday afternoon film
I never miss the opportunity to watch this film. Fantastic plot as Harry Faversham struggles to proves his courage and save his friends.

Ralph Richardson is brilliant in possibly one of the finest supporting performances ever seen on film.

Pity about the "fuzzy wuzzy" reference and don't worry yourself too much wondering what the British are doing in the Sudan in the first place.