The Brigand of Kandahar (1965)

The Brigand of Kandahar Poster

1880. British India. Robert Case, a half-caste lieutenant, is unjustly discharged from the British Army. He joins the rebel Bengali tribesmen offensive against the colonial enemy. They capture a foreign journalist and Case recounts his story of false accusation on trumped-up charges, instigated by the bigotry and racism of his commanding officers. Following a successful attack by the British against the rebels Case is brutally shot by Colonel Drewe, his accuser. The journalist returns home determined to report the true story of The Brigand of Kandahar.

Overview
"The Brigand of Kandahar" is a 1965 British experience movie directed by John Gilling and produced by Hammer Films. The script, composed by Gilling himself, sees the story unfold in the colonial age of the late 19th century in British India's northwest frontier near Afghanistan. The lead functions are taken by Ronald Lewis, who plays Lieutenant Case, Oliver Reed as the vicious Sergeant-Major, and Yvonne Romain as Ratina, a gypsy woman.

Plot
The movie follows Lieutenant Case (Ronald Lewis), an Anglo-Indian, who is avoided due to his mixed-race background by his white counterparts in the British Army, basically resulting in his mutiny. After challenging his exceptional, Sergeant-Major Drewe (Oliver Reed), in defence of a native Indian soldier, Case finds himself damned and incorrectly implicated of treason.

As Lieutenant Case is sentenced to imprisonment, the Northern people attack the army camp and complimentary him, providing him shelter in their mountain hideaway. They name him 'Elam' - The Leader, and he defends the local people against the British injustice.

Romantic Subplot
Case's life is even more complicated when he falls for Drewe's fan, Ratina (Yvonne Romain), a regional gypsy woman who Drewe likewise completes for, prompting more tension between the two males. Ratina betrays Drewe and turns towards Case, stimulating a romance in the middle of the political chaos.

Rising Action and Climax
Equipped with crucial details against the British, Case leads the revolt with the tribal individuals and provides a number of blows to his previous pals. Admired as an enemy of the British, he ends up being a beacon of disobedience. Sergeant-Major Drewe is determined to quell the disobedience and kill Case, setting the stage for the final face-off.

The climax sees a fight of vengeance and justice, as the British Army storms the tribal fortress in a vast and heated fight. Case battles valiantly however is ultimately overwhelmed by the British forces led by Drewe. This climatic dispute brings the gripping narrative to a head, pushing tension and suspense to the maximum.

Conclusion
"The Brigand of Kandahar" is a spirited adventure movie, showing the unrelenting and brutal administration enforced by colonisers. The film's depiction of British colonial guideline is unflinching in its critique. The romantic subplot involving Case, Drewe, and Ratina more layers the motion picture, contributing to a textured, remarkable story.

Despite his betrayal, Case's transformation into a revolutionary figure provides a sympathetic human face to the often vilified "native rebel". Unraveling the intricacies and stress within the British colonial routine, the film integrates historical politics and individual vendetta in an exotic and engaging setting. It's a classic tale of injustice, love, betrayal, and rebellion.

Legacy
"The Brigand of Kandahar" is thought about a product of its time, reflecting 1960s point of views on manifest destiny and race relations. In spite of it not being a significant hit, the movie's romanticised depiction of revolt versus injustice, thrilling daring components, and strong efficiencies, particularly those of Ronald Lewis and Oliver Reed, have cemented its place as a memorable instalment in British experience cinema.

Top Cast

  • Oliver Reed (small)
    Oliver Reed
    Ali Kahn
  • Duncan Lamont (small)
    Duncan Lamont
    Col. Drew
  • Yvonne Romain (small)
    Yvonne Romain
    Ratina
  • Katherine Woodville
    Elsa
  • Glyn Houston (small)
    Glyn Houston
    Marriott
  • Caron Gardner (small)
    Caron Gardner
    Serving Maid
  • Ronald Lewis (small)
    Ronald Lewis
    Lt. Case