The Drum

This isn't a great film but it is a very enjoyable one; a good story (of its kind), good actors, great locations and no pretensions. The story is by A.E.W. Mason who is more famous for writing  Four FeathersThe Four Feathers [1939] [DVD ] and is similar in that the book is a bit of a potboiler, but it works well as for the basis for a straightforward adventure film. Many of the cast are regulars in London Films' movies; Roger Livesy, Sabu, Raymond Massey, Valerie Hobson, who all offer good performances. There is quite a lot of use of locations in Northern India and what is now Pakistan. The story doesn't have the wit or the authenticity and insight of Kipling's Kim; it's clearly a feel good piece intended to amuse and reassure and entertain citizens of the British Empire. At no point is there any doubt that the entire world has benefited by the presence of such a noble and magnaminous people as the British, or that the greatest good fortune that can befall a foreign prince is to be taken under the wing of a kindly British Resident or Governor and be relieved of the hazards of making any important decisions or dealing with his troublesome subjects. This cheered me up no end.The quality of the DVD is rather poor. The sound is OK but the picture is a bit washed out in terms of colour. Even so I'm pleased I bought it. I enjoyed watching it and if there is ever a restoration done I'll be interested in seeing it.

Superb film and one I am very pleased to have added at last to my collection. I'm sure some people will be dreadfully offended by its portrayal of the British Raj and its relations with the natives of India and Afghanistan..... But to them I say, don't buy the dvd and so leave more for avid collectors such as myself.Acting and camera work were superb throughout..... Couldn't be happier!

Well written, the bibliography is equal in size to some chapters, it is well researched. Growing up in the 1960s I had no idea as to the depth of drug taking. It puts the Beatles in a new light but they still emerge relatively untarnished. You can see how fame and drugs affected them but Lennon was on his own in the basket-case stakes.

A wonderful British film based on Britain's occupation of Kabul, Afganistan. The British Empire invaded to stop the Russian's move south. Now, where have I heard of that before? A historically important film well cast with an excellent script. Released in colourised version from a 1938 print which I also own. Colourisation doesn't detract in this film but enhances the thrilling gripping Empire era film of Britain's lost past glories??? Stars the luscious Valerie Hobson with Roger Livesey, Raymond Massey, and SABU. Completes Korda's Empire trilogy, the previous two being Sanders of the River and The Four Feathers, all made in the 1930s. Plot centres on monitoring arms smuggling.

After the poor washed-out copies I've lived with for several years (even the print shown on TV occasionally has been poor!) it's a joy to find that this Network release is all I hoped for thanks to the new BFI transfer. It's not as perfect as the Blu-ray of 'The Four Feathers' but at last we can now watch the vivid colours of the reds of the uniforms and the gowns in the ballroom scene with Valerie Hobson looking absolutely gorgeous as ever!Forget the outdated 1938 British attitudes about India and enjoy it as a great adventure story with handsome hero, lovely heroine, evil villain, and delightful star making role for Sabu (and not forgetting the equally appealing Desmond Tester).

Excellent..but I got this to learn drumming..its actualy about our superb empire..we did a fine job

A superb old film but a great one, I never tire of watching this film, the scenery is absolutely stunning. A tale from India in the bygone days of the raj, tribal uprisings and the steadfast British army bringing the revolt to an end. This is a classic film and one for every collection war type films.

I brought this for my father as he remembered watching this as a small child. He was delighted with it as I ordered it as a surprize.