About The Four Feathers

The Four Feathers is a visual feast of cinematic achievement that was released in 1939. It's a classic British adventure film based on the 1902 novel of the same name by A.E.W. Mason. The story is about Harry Faversham, an officer in the British Army, who resigns his commission on the eve of his unit's departure for Sudan, which leads his three friends and fiancée to accuse him of cowardice and send him four white feathers. Faversham then sets out to prove his bravery and sheds his reputation of being a coward.

Making / Production

Produced by London Film Productions and directed by Zoltan Korda, The Four Feathers is revered as being one of the greatest British films from the pre-war era. The production was a visual extravaganza that mixed cinematography, choreography and music to create an exotic and adventurous experience for the viewers.

Actors

• John Clements as Harry Faversham - Clements convincingly portrays the journey from apparent cowardice to true bravery.
• Ralph Richardson as Captain John Durrance - Richardson gives a compelling performance as a blinded soldier who remains loyal to his duty.
• June Duprez as Ethne Burroughs - Duprez delicately portrays the emotional dilemmas and conflicts of Harry's fiancee.
• C. Aubrey Smith as General Faversham - Smith brilliantly plays Harry's father, the stern and unyielding General.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot in Technicolor, a rare and expensive feat for movies at the time.
• The desert scenes were filmed on location in the Sudan.
• This film was one of the last to be made at Denham Studios before it was requisitioned by the government for the war effort.

Quotes

• "Why didn't you tell me it was a matter of life and death?" - Harry Faversham
• "I've run once from you already. This time, I'll bloody well fight!" - Harry confronting his fears.
• "You might at least, in common decency, kept your charming society for your wife-to-be." - General Faversham to Harry.

Music, Soundtrack

• Miklós Rózsa, known for his work in historical films, composed the stirring and memorable soundtrack.
• "March of the Gordon Highlanders" and "Lillibullero", were popular British military songs included in the film's score.