55 Days at Peking

*Year: 1963
*Director: Nicholas Ray
*(Person of Note)Producer: Samuel Bronston
*Cast: Charlton Heston, David Niven, Ava Gardner, Robert Helpmann, Leo Glenn, Flora Robson, John Ireland, Philippe Leroy

Set in Peking China, 1900. Based on actual events. The peasants of China (Boxers), have been causing unrest in Colonial China. The presence of numerous Anglo nations in China has led to increasing anti colonial sentiment. In this particular story, Major Matt Lewis and his detatchment of marines are stationed in Peking along with the forces of many other European nations. With the increasing Boxer threat ascentuated by the Chinese government's sanctioning of their actions, the nations deside to hold their ground in citadel fortress of the city and hold out till reinforcements arrive.


One lazy Wednesday afternoon, while scrolling through the TCM schedule, I happened upon this film. I knew of it through my familiarity with Nicholas Ray, the director. My dad also knew of the film and watching it was a wonderful experience. And since then, I've mebarked on a marathon of old school epics which I have learned to love.


This was producer Samuel Bronston's penultimate Super production. He had previously produced El Cid and King of Kings. As well as producing Fall of the Roman Empire the following year. And like the previous films, this is another big budget historical epic filmed entirely in Spain. It would employ most of Spains Chinese residents to portray the Boxers while giving the more important Chinese roles to Anglos. Anyway, the film, though a tad bit talky, is full of spectacular action scenes and breath taking sets. All of which were paid for by the profits of the last 2 films. Director Nicholas Ray was not used to filming such ambitious projects. He was more comfortable filming his own films with smaller budgets. He even predicted that this film would be the end of him. In a sense, it was. Near the end of production, he was fired by Bronston and the remaining action scenes were directed by two uncredited assistants. Ray suffered a heart attack soon after. Thus ending his Hollywood career.


I enjoyed this film very much. The roadshow structure (Overture, Entr' Acte, Exit) is not only enjoyable through a nostalgic sense, but gives you time for the film to sink in more. It's pretty well balanced. Though their is perhaps one too many dialogue scenes. But the spectacular action sequences more than make up for it. These battles are juxtaposed with the internal struggles of the characters. Their also seems to be a message of international unity overcoming great odds. Which I suppose is a good message.


For me, and perhaps many others; the troubled shoot was worth it. The film has a great cast, grandiose music (Dimitri Tiomkin), great action scenes, and beautiful set design. Though the more leisurely pace may be a detractor for some.

The Sand Pebbles

*Year: 1966
*Director: Robert Wise

*(Person of Note)Cinematography: Joseph MacDonald
*Cast: Steve Mcqueen, Richard Attenborough, Candice bergen, Richard Crenna, Mako

Set in 1926, China. Jake Holman is a Naval enginer in the US Asiatic fleet. Though a good crew member, he is somewhat rebellious and has several transfers to show for it. He is transfered to the San Pablo, a gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River. Though he almost immediatley befriends one sailor, Frenchy, he is obstricized by the rest of the crew as a Jonah. All the while, the Captain has to manage his increasinly disgruntled crew as well as holding back the endless hordes of angry and violent Chinese combatants without the luxury of violent force for fear of sparking an international incident.


Like Stagecoach and Citizen Kane, this film to me seems like one of the quintesential good movies. I first discovered it years back as a bored kid who would watch anything on TV. I first saw bits and pieces of it on AMC and since it was an old movie, I naively dismissed it. Since I now have a complete love of old movies, I checked this one out and fortunatley for me, it's as good as they say.


To start off, the film has impecable pacing. Though it is long (over 3 hours!), it moves along very nicely. Thats not to say it's action packed, because it isn't. Though it is filled full of numerous great scenes that will always keep your eyes glued to the screen. Because I have an amazingly short attention span, I often doodle while watching a movie and sort of watch it out of the corner of my eye. But with this film, I couldn't look away.


There is nothing about the film that jumps out at you or sets it apart from other films. It is just a very well made film. Drama is balanced nicely with charater developement, tension, violence, romance, social commentary, and action. No one scene in the film feels unncecessary or out of place. And thus, feels like it is much shorter than 3 hours. There is also some good acting here. McQueen was given his only Oscar Nomination. Richard Crenna alos stands out as the stoic yet troubled Captain. Joseph Macdonald, one of the great cinematographers, delivers the goods here. Great widescreen views of the Chinese Rivers and farm lands. As well as some great interior lighting.


The film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Picture. A wonderfully made film.