Guns at Batasi (1964)

Guns at Batasi
Directed by John Guillermin
Written by Robert Holles, Leo Marks, and Marshall Pugh from Holles’s novel
1964/UK
Twentieth Century Fox/George H. Brown Productions
First viewing/Netflix rental

RSM Lauderdale: I have seen Calcutta. I have eaten camel dung. My knees are brown, my naval is central, my conscience is clear, and my willy is with my solicitors Short and Curly.

Richard Attenborough had two great performances in very different roles in 1964 – Seance on a Wet Afternoon and this one.

The British still have a role in the armies of Commonwealth countries in post-Colonial Africa.  They seem to spend a great deal of their time drinking when they are not training African soldiers.  This particular day is supposed to include nothing more exciting than festivities to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and a visit from a female liberal MP (Flora Robson).  Regimental Sergeant Major Lauderdale (Attenborough) rules his British and African subordinates with an iron hand.  In his free time, he tells war stories that everyone has heard a thousand times.

But this is not be a normal day at the outpost.  Commanding Officer Colonel Deal (Jack Hawkins) is called early on and told that there is an attempted coup in progress and the British are to stand down, put African officers in command, confine themselves to mess, and lock down guns and ammunition.  Shortly thereafter, the Colonel is called to the capital.

Almost immediately an African Lieutenant that supports the rebels captures loyal African soldiers and takes over command of the base by raiding the armory and cutting the phone lines.  This lieutenant just happens to be a protege of the British MP.  The rest of the story deals with Lauderdale’s sometimes misguided efforts to defend the British and loyal African soldiers.  With Mia Farrow in her film debut.

Oh how I love it when I discover a hidden gem!  This movie is just great and Attenborough is magnificent as an old-time, order-barking soldier.  The story kept me guessing to the end.  Attenborough won the BAFTA award for Best British Actor and Farrow won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.  Recommended.

Two good clips (spoilers)