The tale of the Geste brothers, one of whom is a jewel thief, all of which run off to join the Foreign Legion is considered an adventure classic. This version of the film is held up as one of the many films that makes 1939 the best year there ever was in the movies.
As for me, tonight was the first time I was really seeing the film from start to finish (I don't think I'd ever seen any version of the story before other than Marty Feldman's Last remake). I had seen bits and pieces but never the whole thing. My reaction to seeing it is one of disappointment. Its a long rambling story with some great action, some wonderful lines, and allure that completely alludes me. Not a bad film, I just don't get it.Yes I know what happens but why is this hailed as something so great? I don't know. The cast Gary Cooper, Robert Preston, Ray Milland, and others are very good. except that with the exception of Robert Preston, everyone is at least 10 to 15 years too old (Beau is suppose to be 27 when the events take place Cooper was almost 40). For me I was watching lets pretend and not a real story.
I know I'm a party pooper but the film never got beyond okay, and I really wanted to reach for the remote on more than one occasion, though I didn't.
6 out of 10. Worth a look on a slow night.
As for me, tonight was the first time I was really seeing the film from start to finish (I don't think I'd ever seen any version of the story before other than Marty Feldman's Last remake). I had seen bits and pieces but never the whole thing. My reaction to seeing it is one of disappointment. Its a long rambling story with some great action, some wonderful lines, and allure that completely alludes me. Not a bad film, I just don't get it.Yes I know what happens but why is this hailed as something so great? I don't know. The cast Gary Cooper, Robert Preston, Ray Milland, and others are very good. except that with the exception of Robert Preston, everyone is at least 10 to 15 years too old (Beau is suppose to be 27 when the events take place Cooper was almost 40). For me I was watching lets pretend and not a real story.
I know I'm a party pooper but the film never got beyond okay, and I really wanted to reach for the remote on more than one occasion, though I didn't.
6 out of 10. Worth a look on a slow night.