Post by Brad Nelson on Jul 7, 2019 7:59:30 GMT -8
The Purple Plain
Viewed on Amazon Prime Video (included with basic subscription)
Info: IMDB
Genre: war, action, drama
Type: classic Technicolor movie from 1954, 1.66:1 aspect ratio
Runtime: 97 minutes
Starring: Gregory Peck, Win Min Than, Bernard Lee
Quick Rating: An otherwise mediocre plot, terrible visual effects, and stilted acting by a couple of the primary actors shows how powerful a star Gregory Peck was because he turns this into a very watchable movie.
Summary: In WWII Burma, a Canadian bomber pilot becomes reckless after losing his bride in a Luftwaffe air-raid.
I’m not sure where the purple plain is in this. But this is plainly a vehicle for Gregory Peck on the ragged edge of yet another breakdown (shadows of Twelve O’Clock High run through this). Few can play “distressed man” like Peck and he pulls it off here as well.
He’s deep in the Burmese jungle as a pilot in a remote squadron. He’s surrounded with native refugees and a Christian ministry which tries to do what good it can.
The movie is based on a novel by H.E. Bates. This is supposed to be a deep transformation of a man from suicidally reckless to finding a reason for living. But this film is plainly handled amateurishly. Still, Peck’s performance is able to turn this film into an interesting mix of war adventure, love interest, and psychological drama.
The movie’s pacing is good. There’s always something new happening and you’re taken along the journey with Squadron Leader Bill Forrester as he faces all kinds of challenges. Bernard Lee (“M”) plays a convincing Dr. Harris who is determined to help the difficult squadron leader in any way he can.
Maurice Dehnham is interesting as his bunk mate, Blore (Blore?), who takes on a larger role as this picture goes on. Does it all work out? Can the tightly-wound squadron leader find new hope in the midst of the hell of war on the outskirts of civilization? Peck fans and war film aficionados should watch this, for sure, and find out.
Viewed on Amazon Prime Video (included with basic subscription)
Info: IMDB
Genre: war, action, drama
Type: classic Technicolor movie from 1954, 1.66:1 aspect ratio
Runtime: 97 minutes
Starring: Gregory Peck, Win Min Than, Bernard Lee
Quick Rating: An otherwise mediocre plot, terrible visual effects, and stilted acting by a couple of the primary actors shows how powerful a star Gregory Peck was because he turns this into a very watchable movie.
Summary: In WWII Burma, a Canadian bomber pilot becomes reckless after losing his bride in a Luftwaffe air-raid.
I’m not sure where the purple plain is in this. But this is plainly a vehicle for Gregory Peck on the ragged edge of yet another breakdown (shadows of Twelve O’Clock High run through this). Few can play “distressed man” like Peck and he pulls it off here as well.He’s deep in the Burmese jungle as a pilot in a remote squadron. He’s surrounded with native refugees and a Christian ministry which tries to do what good it can.
The movie is based on a novel by H.E. Bates. This is supposed to be a deep transformation of a man from suicidally reckless to finding a reason for living. But this film is plainly handled amateurishly. Still, Peck’s performance is able to turn this film into an interesting mix of war adventure, love interest, and psychological drama.
The movie’s pacing is good. There’s always something new happening and you’re taken along the journey with Squadron Leader Bill Forrester as he faces all kinds of challenges. Bernard Lee (“M”) plays a convincing Dr. Harris who is determined to help the difficult squadron leader in any way he can.
Maurice Dehnham is interesting as his bunk mate, Blore (Blore?), who takes on a larger role as this picture goes on. Does it all work out? Can the tightly-wound squadron leader find new hope in the midst of the hell of war on the outskirts of civilization? Peck fans and war film aficionados should watch this, for sure, and find out.