An oddity. P.C. Wren's very-English book transported to Mexico (replete with a bullfight), then Spain, but finally to the Sahara and the French Foreign Legion. RKO's 1931 version is pretty bad, but it has its pictorial compensations, and is kind of fun in its overblown, campy way. This isn't any kind of fun, but should be of interest to Legion and Wren adherents. Crowd scenes and at least one set (a fort)from the earlier film seem to be employed here. The one improvement on the first version is that the two male leads are macho types. The original story has been considerably changed. This new tack could have resulted in some interesting dramatic developments, if only someone involved in the production had had the talent to do something with it. The tape I've obtained has English titles.
2 Reviews
A wonderful tale of honour and promises kept
gruuvyman1 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I beg to differ with the Plot Summary. Isabel didn't merely "learn that Pablo went off to join the Foreign Legion", she was with him when he made the decision to depart and promised to wait for him 'forever'. When Rafael shows up in Spain to buy some bulls and re-acquaint himself with Isabel (whom he's always loved since they were children), he learns that Pablo and Isabel are engaged, and that Pablo has gone off to the Foreign Legion to 'save his family honour'.
Isabel does not "beg Rafael to bring Pablo back", instead, Rafael realizes that he and Isabel can never be happy together unless he brings Pablo back at which time Isabel can choose between them. He discusses his plan with her in a very elegant and well-spoken monologue after he realizes that she loves him too.
Yes, there are some plot holes - but they are relatively minor.
This is an outstanding story of deep, lifelong love and devotion, promises hard-to-keep made and kept through thick and thin. I would have given 10 out of 10 but for a few 'errors' - the Legionaires speaking Spanish instead of French for instance - but I didn't really mind that so much as I grew up in Mexico myself.
A wonderful early attempt by a blossoming Mexican film industry.
Isabel does not "beg Rafael to bring Pablo back", instead, Rafael realizes that he and Isabel can never be happy together unless he brings Pablo back at which time Isabel can choose between them. He discusses his plan with her in a very elegant and well-spoken monologue after he realizes that she loves him too.
Yes, there are some plot holes - but they are relatively minor.
This is an outstanding story of deep, lifelong love and devotion, promises hard-to-keep made and kept through thick and thin. I would have given 10 out of 10 but for a few 'errors' - the Legionaires speaking Spanish instead of French for instance - but I didn't really mind that so much as I grew up in Mexico myself.
A wonderful early attempt by a blossoming Mexican film industry.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
