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.
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.