“Plunder of the Sun” (1953)

Drama

Running Time: 82 minutes

Written by: Jonathan Latimer

Directed by: John Farrow

Featuring: Glenn Ford, Diana Lynn, Patricia Medina and Francis L. Sullivan

Julie Barnes: “You stood me up because you think I’m a tramp.”

Al Colby: “I don’t think you’re a tramp.”

Julie Barnes: “Yes you do… cuz I am. I’m a tramp and everybody knows it; Julie the tramp. What’s a lady have to do to get a cigarette around here?”

Critical Commentary

“Plunder of the Sun” is a film noir adventure movie released in 1953, directed by John Farrow. “Plunder of the Sun” follows the story of an American adventurer named Al Colby, played by Glenn Ford, who is hired to retrieve a valuable ancient artifact called the “Plunder of the Sun.” The artifact is believed to hold the secret to a lost Incan treasure. Colby embarks on a dangerous journey through Mexico and Peru, encountering various obstacles, treacherous characters, and thrilling adventures along the way.

The film offers a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, and suspense, which were hallmarks of the film noir genre. The exotic locations and beautiful cinematography add to the overall appeal of the movie, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Glenn Ford delivers a solid performance as the charismatic and resourceful protagonist, bringing a sense of determination and charm to the character of Al Colby. The supporting cast, including Diana Lynn as the mysterious Anna Luz and Patricia Medina as the femme fatale Kiki, also deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the story. The plot of “Plunder of the Sun” unfolds in a relatively straightforward manner, following the conventions of the adventure genre. However, it keeps viewers engaged with its well-paced narrative, unexpected twists, and intriguing characters.

The film’s strengths lie in its well-crafted atmosphere and engaging story, supported by competent performances from the cast. While it may not be regarded as one of the most memorable films of the era, “Plunder of the Sun” provides an enjoyable and entertaining cinematic experience for fans of adventure and film noir.

The visual aesthetics of “Plunder of the Sun” are noteworthy. The film effectively captures the allure and mystique of the South American settings, with vibrant colors, impressive set designs, and stunning landscapes. The cinematography beautifully showcases the grandeur of the ancient ruins and the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. 

The screenplay, based on a novel by David Dodge, provides a solid foundation for the film’s narrative. It incorporates elements of mystery and intrigue, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of the “Plunder of the Sun” artefact and the motivations of the various characters involved. The dialogues are sharp and often filled with double entendres, adding to the film’s noir sensibilities.

Director John Farrow demonstrates his skill in crafting suspenseful sequences and maintaining a consistent tone throughout the film. The action scenes, while not overly elaborate, are well-executed and enhance the overall excitement of the story. Farrow’s direction keeps the pacing steady, ensuring that the film doesn’t lose momentum.

One aspect that may be worth noting is that “Plunder of the Sun” was released during a time when Hollywood often portrayed non-Western cultures in a romanticized or stereotypical manner. As a result, some elements of the film may feel outdated or insensitive when viewed through a modern lens. However, it’s important to consider the historical context in which the film was made.

“Plunder of the Sun” is an enjoyable adventure film that offers a blend of suspense, mystery, and exoticism. While it may not be as well-known as other films from the era, it deserves recognition for its atmospheric visuals, engaging storyline, and strong performances. Fans of classic film noir or vintage adventure movies are likely to find it entertaining.

One of the standout aspects of “Plunder of the Sun” is its score, composed by the renowned Miklós Rózsa. The music adds depth and emotion to the film, enhancing the atmosphere and intensifying the suspenseful moments. Rózsa’s score captures the essence of the story, complementing the visuals and performances.

The film’s exploration of ancient civilizations and the quest for lost treasures taps into the adventurous spirit that often captivates audiences. It embraces the romanticized idea of archaeological adventures and hidden treasures, which were popular themes in the 1950s.

The supporting characters in the film also bring their own unique qualities to the story. Whether it’s the enigmatic Anna Luz, the alluring and dangerous Kiki, or the assortment of intriguing individuals that Al Colby encounters on his journey, each character adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.

“Plunder of the Sun” may not be considered a ground-breaking or revolutionary film, but it succeeds in providing an entertaining and engaging cinematic experience. It captures the essence of the adventure genre with its thrilling plot, captivating performances, and striking visuals.

While some elements of the film may feel dated by today’s standards, it’s important to approach it with an appreciation for the era in which it was made. “Plunder of the Sun” stands as a representative example of classic adventure movies and serves as a time capsule of the filmmaking techniques and storytelling styles of the 1950s.

“Plunder of the Sun” is a film worth exploring for fans of classic adventure and film noir. Its blend of mystery, suspense, and exoticism, along with strong performances and atmospheric visuals, contribute to an enjoyable cinematic experience. While it may not be widely known, it remains a hidden gem for enthusiasts of vintage cinema.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.36:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, “Plunder of the Sun” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The release is sourced from an older master that was supplied by Paramount Pictures. The transfer is good, and the film actually has a fine and stable organic appearance. They grayscale is convincing, though there is certainly room for rebalancing adjustments that could expose more finer nuances in darker areas. Image stability is very good. All in all, though slightly dated, this is a good organic presentation of Plunder of the Sun that makes it quite easy to enjoy it.

Audio

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. The audio is clear and stable. I did notice a few very small pops in the upper register, but there are no distracting distortions or hiss. Dynamic balance is good. 

Special Features

• 1080p presentation of the film on Blu-ray
• Audio commentary by Peter Ford (Glen Ford’s son) and writer/historian Frank Thompson
• Video Interview with film critic Barry Forshaw on Plunder In The Sun (2020)
• On Location with Glenn Ford” – Brief series of photos accompanied by Peter Ford’s reading of a letter his father wrote to his grandmother while on location.
• Plundering History” featurette
• The John Wayne Stock Company: Sean McClory” featurette
• Photo Gallery