# Lives of a Bengal Lancer, The (1935)

### reviewed by
Brian Koller

    The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935)

    Grade: 70

"The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" is an interesting action film set in British-controlled India. While the drama centering around young Richard Cromwell's inability to please his crusty father is overplayed, and the British goal of subjegating the Indian populace not exactly laudable, the dialogue and teasing competitiveness between Gary Cooper and Franchot Tone is entertaining.

"The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" was directed by Henry Hathaway and was based on a novel by Major Yeats-Brown. Cooper stars as a British soldier eager to fight a fortified Indian village. His impulsiveness is opposed by Sir Guy Standing, who prefers laying siege. Cooper is soon joined by young recruits Tone and Cromwell. Cromwell is the hapless son of Standing, who opposes his son's presence and refuses to give him any special treatment. Will Cromwell win his father's love and respect? Will the British flag wave triumphant over the 'rebel' village?

"Bengal Lancer" made a big splash, and the Academy nominated the film for Best Picture and Best Director, as well as lesser technical awards. Time has not been kind to the movie's depiction of silent, toadying Indians under British rule. Another flaw is that Cooper, Tone and Cromwell often seem to be the only three soldiers in the army. Still, the atmosphere of Colonial India is captured, and the heroic battle scenes in the finale are rousing albeit heavy-handed.

My favorite moment from the film has Cooper and Tone in an Indian prison cell, whiling away boredom betting thousands of non-existent rupees on cockroach races. The cockroaches are named after the British and Indian commanders.

kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html

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