The Four Feathers
The Four Feathers

The Four Feathers

1939
Movie
129 min
English

A disgraced officer risks his life to help his childhood friends in battle.

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Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Zoltán KordaGenres: Adventure, Drama, War, Romance

Plot Summary

Set during the late Victorian era, the film follows Harry Feversham, a young British officer who resigns his commission just before his regiment is sent to fight in the Sudan. He is perceived as a coward by his peers and his fiancée, Ethne, who sends him four white feathers, symbols of cowardice. Ashamed, Harry embarks on a secret quest to redeem himself by saving his friends on the battlefield, risking his life to prove his bravery.

Critical Reception

The 1939 version of 'The Four Feathers' was widely acclaimed for its stunning Technicolor cinematography, epic scale, and gripping portrayal of honor and duty. It was a commercial success and is considered one of the finest adventure films of its era, praised for its thrilling action sequences and compelling performances, particularly Ralph Richardson's portrayal of Peter Burroughs.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its breathtaking Technicolor visuals and impressive battle sequences.
  • Hailed as a grand and stirring adventure film, a testament to heroism and redemption.
  • Lauded for its strong performances and epic scope, capturing the spirit of British imperialism.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings for this classic film are not readily available, contemporary reviews and its enduring legacy suggest a highly positive audience reception for its adventurous narrative and visual splendor.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Score.

Fun Fact

The film's spectacular battle scenes were shot on location in Sudan, with thousands of extras, many of whom were local Sudanese soldiers, contributing to its authenticity and grand scale.

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TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A British officer (John Clements) is called up to serve in Kitchener's army that will set out to avenge the defeat of General Gordon in the Sudan. He is deeply in love with his fiancée (June Duprez), however, and so decides to prioritise hi...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A little forgotten gem that, perhaps, deserved to be revisited by the public.** This film is one of several adaptations of a novel set during the Anglo-Egyptian conquest of Sudan. It's quite good and must have been a "super production"...
John Chard

John Chard

I have been a coward – and I wasn’t happy. The best cinematic treatment of A.E.W. Mason’s novel is here, a rousing and moving tale of a military man who is branded as a coward by those closest to him. Receiving four feathers as a sign of...