Khartoum

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Set in the expanse of the Sudan desert in the midst of holy war, Khartoum (1966) plays like an attempt to work the Lawrence of Arabia magic on the (mostly) true story of eccentric British general Charles "Chinese" Gordon in 1884 North Africa. The magnificent opening desert battle suggests David Lean's epic sweep, at least until the film settles into a more modest story of political games, military standoffs, and a battle of wits and wiles between two fierce leaders. Charlton Heston plays the wily Christian soldier as cocky, unconventional maverick, and Laurence Olivier (behind heavy make-up and a thick black beard) is almost as good as his cagey nemesis the Mahdi, the Islamic holy warrior on a mission of annihilation. More talk than spectacle, the film falls short of Lawrence but is nonetheless a compelling story of colonial politics, cynical maneuvering, and the unconventional heroics of another colorful British maverick abroad. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Academy AwardÂ(r) winners* Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier face off in this epic, stirring drama of two men and two empires. Filmed in glorious CineramaÂ(r), with stunning desertbattles staged by the creator of the Ben-Hur chariot race, Khartoum is a "magnificently staged action spectacle [with] outstanding portrayals" (Boxoffice) and breathtaking cinematography. In 1883, British Prime Minister Gladstone (Ralph Richardson) dispatches General Charles Gordon (Heston) to Khartoum, Sudan, where thousands of civilians are threatened by a Muslim fanatic, the Mahdi (Olivier), and his army of followers. Gordon gains the Mahdi's respect but can't prevent the Mahdi's men from laying siege to the city. Now, as history hangs in the balance, Gordon faces the fight of his life defending the ancient city of Khartoum. *Heston: Actor, Ben-Hur (1959). Olivier: Actor, Hamlet (1948); Lifetime Achievement (1978); Outstanding Achievement as Actor, Producer and Director on Henry V (1946)

Customer Reviews:

A forty-one-year-old epic that reflects both historical events and movie history.......2007-07-24

To appreciate some old movies, one must take in consideration the time in which they were made and the techniques/casting that was the norm. "Khartoum" has a Yank playing a Brit and a Brit playing an Arab. The film also sports some jaw-dropping fight scenes involving horses obviously tumbling as a result of the then-common use of a "trip wire."

Thankfully, we now live in an era wherein such aforementioned casting and animal abuse would be frowned upon and not tolerated.

That said, the film is one of those rousing adventure epics that tells that tale of an English officer (Heston) sent to quell an uprising by an Islamic demigod (Olivier). Both actors are good in their respective roles with Olivier having the edge in the execution of his "Arabic tongue" over Heston's try at "the King's English."

Even though Olivier wore heavy dark makeup and the traditional moustache and goatee, the filmmakers didn't do a good job of "masking" his European eyes.

But, the film was made in the "not-so-politically-correct" 60's.

The cinematography is breathtaking and composer Frank Cordell's music is truly dynamic.

When modern movies resort to the use of computer-generated battle scenes, it's refreshing to see real "actors" in well-choreographed combat.

However, as mentioned before, the horses flipping and careening down hillsides is a bit disconcerting, considering that some animals had to be sacrificed for the realistically staged fights.

And this release conveniently edited the original's horrific scene of the fate that befell Heston's character at the end, which made Olivier's final line rather mute.

As good as the book from Wilbur Smith?.......2007-07-04

Watched this monumental movie after having the read the book from Wilbur Smith, The Triumph of the Sum.
Although the main story remains of course the same the film does not provide the depth and different angles I was hoping for.
Most striking is that I cannot remember one woman playing even a less important role in this film.

Worth Seeing Again!.......2007-06-10

I viewed this movie when it made the theater tour. Since then, I learned more about the history of the British Empire in the period. Khartoum is well written, well acted and has no major technical or historical inaccuracies that I could detect. Khartoum is definitely worth watching more than once.

Khartoum .......2007-05-06

Charlton Heston plays the charmed, charismatic Gen. Charles Gordon and Sir Laurence Olivier is suitably menacing as the Mahdi in this thumping tale of the siege of Khartoum and the death of history's classiest fall guy. Great action sequences throughout: the assault on the city, the relief expedition, the attempt of the river steamers to run the Dervish gauntlet.

Excellent story; fine acting.......2007-04-10

The outstanding cast in this true story of China Gordon's demise in the Sudan at the hands of the presumed "Mahdi" in 1884, is only one of several factors that make this a great film. The story line is excellent, as it not only presents the desert conflict battle scenes extremely well, but it also visually describes the political and social intrigue involved in the British efforts to establish and maintain its colonial empire in that era. In a subtle and obviously unintentional manner, the film also presents some hints of contemporary conflicts and social issues. A truly fine film!

Average customer rating:

A forty-one-year-old epic that reflects both historical events and movie history
As good as the book from Wilbur Smith?
Worth Seeing Again!
Khartoum
Excellent story; fine acting

Khartoum [Region 2]
Starring: Charlton Heston , Laurence Olivier , Richard Johnson , Ralph Richardson , and Alexander Knox
Director: Eliot Elisofon , and Basil Dearden
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000089AUD