The Long Duel
The Long Duel

Movie spotlight

The Long Duel

1967
Movie
115 min
English

An idealistic colonial police officer is sent to capture a rebel leader who threatens the stability of the Raj's north-west frontier. Despite his official colonial capacity, the policeman is impressed by the ingenuity and integrity of his enemy and is determined to arrest him alive rather than bring him in dead as his superiors might wish.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Ken AnnakinGenres: Adventure, Drama, War

Plot Summary

In 1895 British India, the stern British Commissioner, Colonel Charles Eyre, faces a moral dilemma when he orders the execution of a local tribal leader, Prince Sultan, for the murder of a British officer. However, Sultan escapes and leads a rebellion against the British, forcing Eyre to confront the consequences of his decision. The film explores themes of cultural conflict, duty, and the personal cost of colonial rule.

Critical Reception

The Long Duel received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its sweeping landscapes and Yul Brynner's commanding performance, others found the plot predictable and the portrayal of colonial dynamics somewhat dated. It was generally seen as a competent but not groundbreaking adventure film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually impressive scope and Yul Brynner's strong presence.

  • Criticized for a predictable narrative and conventional treatment of its subject matter.

  • Offers a glimpse into colonial-era conflicts but lacks depth.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available, but general sentiment suggests it's a visually engaging historical drama that appeals to fans of classic adventure films, though some may find its pacing and thematic elements to be of its era.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Spain, doubling for the landscapes of British India.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Sultan" (Yul Brynner) leads his largely peaceable tribe as the days of the Raj increasingly impose themselves on their day-to-day living. Imprisoned after a raid, they manage to break out of the fort but one of their guards is killed, This...

John Chard

John Chard

Just…long… Run of the mill historical adventure yarn set on India’s North-West Frontier during the British Raj. Yul Brynner plays rebel tribesman Sultan who is pursued by Brit copper Freddy Young (Trevor Howard), who while chasing down ...

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