The Drum
The Drum

The Drum

1938Movie104 minEnglish

Set in the India of the British Raj, the evil and untrustworthy Prince Guhl (Raymond Massey) plans to wipe out the British troops as they enjoy the hospitality of Guhl's spacious palace. It's up to the loyal young Prince Azim (Sabu) to warn the troops of Guhl's treachery by tapping out a message on his drum.

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IMDb6.6/10
Director: Zoltan KordaGenres: Adventure, Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set during the British Raj in India, the film follows Prince Ram, an aristocratic Indian soldier loyal to the British Crown. When his brother, Prince Ajit, incites a rebellion against the British, Ram finds himself caught between his duty to his people and his loyalty to the empire. He must navigate treacherous political intrigue and military conflict to prevent a full-scale war and protect his homeland from destruction.

Critical Reception

The Drum was a significant production for its time, lauded for its lavish Technicolor cinematography and its portrayal of colonial India. While it received praise for its spectacle and adventure elements, some critics noted its simplistic narrative and its portrayal of colonial dynamics. It was a commercial success, appealing to audiences with its exotic setting and dramatic conflict.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually stunning Technicolor cinematography and exotic Indian setting.
  • Appreciated for its adventurous plot and dramatic conflict between loyalty and duty.
  • Some found the depiction of colonial India and its politics to be somewhat generalized.

Google audience: Information not available.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the early major productions to utilize the three-strip Technicolor process, contributing significantly to its striking visual appeal and exotic atmosphere.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There's a bit of Rudyard Kipling to this quite colourful story from Zoltan Korda telling of the ruthless "Ghul" (Raymond Massey) who usurps his brother after he makes a treaty with the British. Luckily, the heir "Azim" (Sabu) manages to esc...