Alexander Korda's Epic Adventure... Based on the Novel by A. E. W. Mason

Starring: John Clements, Ralph Richardson, C. Aubrey Smith, June Duprez, Allan Jeayes, Jack Allen, Donald Gray, Frederick Culley, Clive Baxter, Robert Rendel, Norman Pierce

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"With me it was more than fear. My father despised me. He believed me to be a coward. His belief turned fear into reality." – Harry Faversham

Why watch this? It's a timeless classic, epic about cowardice and honor.

Plot Summary: Harry Faversham is a British Army officer who resigns his commission just before his regiment is deployed to Sudan to fight rebels. His friends and fiancée give him four white feathers, a traditional symbol of cowardice, prompting him to embark on a journey of redemption, in disguise, to prove his courage. This adventure sees him undertake daring feats to secretly aid his former comrades, ultimately striving to restore his honor and return the feathers that branded him a coward.

Dad's Preview: This epic rendition of the famous novel does almost everything right. It's actors are splendid, but what stands out most is the cinematography. We are whisked away to the surging waters of the Nile. We see the red-coated British army in full formations. In awe, we witness the mounted Khalifa and Sudanese raiders. Our protagonist, Harry, is genuinely likeable, as he embarks on his hero's journey to regain his honor. This time-honored story has been filmed five other times (1915, 1921, 1929, 1978 and 2002), and this version is the best. Additionally, while I usually prefer a film's original version in black and white, this classic's recently colorized version is a must-see.

London Films; United Artists