The Foreign Legion
The Foreign Legion

Movie spotlight

The Foreign Legion

1928
Movie
80 min
English

A man falsely accused of crime joins Foreign Legion, and when trouble develops is saved by the self sacrifice of the commanding officer, his own father.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: Monta BellGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A spoiled young American man, seeking adventure and a way to escape an arranged marriage, impulsively enlists in the French Foreign Legion. He endures the harsh realities of military life in North Africa, facing rigorous training, brutal discipline, and the unforgiving desert landscape. Through his experiences, he begins to mature and find a sense of purpose he never had before.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Foreign Legion' received a mixed reception. While some critics praised its authentic portrayal of military life and Reginald Denny's performance, others found the plot somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven. The film was considered a decent entry in the adventure-drama genre of its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric depiction of the Sahara and the rigors of Foreign Legion service.

  • Reginald Denny's transition from a foppish youth to a hardened soldier was noted as a highlight.

  • Some found the narrative somewhat conventional for its era.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this early silent film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Yuma, Arizona, to simulate the North African desert, a common practice for studios seeking authentic-looking exteriors without the expense of international travel.

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