“Ten Tall Men” (1951)

Drama

Running Time: 97 minutes

Written by: Roland Kibbee and Frank Davis

Directed by: Willis Goldbeck

Featuring: Burt Lancaster, Jody Lawrance and Gilbert Roland

Sgt. Mike Kincaid: “Look, kid, why don’t you relax? Make things easy on yourself. Three more days and I’ll have you back with your people.”

Mahla: “You won’t live three more days.”

Ten Tall Men is a 1951 adventure film directed by Willis Goldbeck and starring Burt Lancaster, Jody Lawrance, and Gilbert Roland. Set against the rugged and exotic backdrop of North Africa, the film weaves a tale of bravery, camaraderie, and romantic entanglements during the French Foreign Legion’s campaigns.

The story centers around Sgt. Mike Kincaid (Burt Lancaster), a resourceful and charismatic member of the French Foreign Legion. Kincaid is notorious for his irreverent attitude towards authority but revered by his men for his leadership and cunning. The narrative kicks off when Kincaid and his comrades, played by a diverse ensemble cast, are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to thwart an impending tribal uprising led by the formidable Emir Hassan (Gerald Mohr).

Kincaid’s plan is audacious. He decides to kidnap the Emir’s betrothed, Mahla (Jody Lawrance), hoping that this bold move will destabilize the enemy’s morale and buy the Legion valuable time. The film progresses through a series of daring escapades, intense skirmishes, and unexpected romantic developments between Kincaid and Mahla. As Kincaid and his men navigate treacherous terrain and face relentless adversaries, they demonstrate not only physical prowess but also deep bonds of loyalty and friendship.

Characters and Performances

Burt Lancaster delivers a charismatic performance as Sgt. Mike Kincaid, balancing rugged heroism with a roguish charm. Lancaster’s physicality and presence are undeniable, making Kincaid a compelling and dynamic protagonist. His on-screen chemistry with Jody Lawrance adds a layer of romantic tension that enriches the narrative. Lawrance, as Mahla, brings a blend of strength and vulnerability to her role, making her more than just a damsel in distress. She portrays a character with her own agency and depth, which is refreshing for a film from this era.

The supporting cast, including Gilbert Roland as Pfc. Luis Delgado and Kieron Moore as Cpl. Pierre Molier, adds depth and diversity to the story. Each character brings a unique personality and skill set to the group, contributing to the film’s themes of camaraderie and brotherhood. Roland’s portrayal of Delgado, in particular, stands out for its warmth and humor, providing a counterbalance to the more intense aspects of the plot.

Willis Goldbeck’s direction is solid, capturing the sweeping landscapes and intense action sequences with a keen eye. The film’s pacing is generally well-handled, maintaining a balance between action, drama, and romance. The North African desert, with its vast dunes and stark beauty, serves as a stunning backdrop for the story, enhancing the film’s epic feel.

The cinematography by William E. Snyder deserves special mention. The use of Technicolor enhances the visual appeal, bringing vibrancy to the desert scenes and adding a layer of intensity to the battle sequences. Snyder effectively captures both the grandeur of the landscape and the intimacy of the characters’ interactions.

Ten Tall Men explores themes of honor, loyalty, and bravery, common in films about the French Foreign Legion. The film portrays the Legion as a melting pot of diverse individuals united by a common cause, highlighting the bonds forged in the crucible of battle. The camaraderie among the ten men, despite their different backgrounds and personalities, is a central theme, underscoring the idea that unity and mutual respect are essential for survival.

The film also delves into the complexities of duty and love. Kincaid’s growing affection for Mahla complicates his mission, adding a personal dimension to the larger conflict. This romantic subplot, while somewhat predictable, is handled with enough nuance to keep it engaging.

While Ten Tall Men is an entertaining and visually appealing film, it is not without its flaws. The plot, though engaging, follows a relatively predictable path, with few surprises or twists. The depiction of the North African tribes and their culture is simplistic and often stereotypical, reflecting the sensibilities of its time rather than providing a nuanced portrayal.

Moreover, the film’s female characters, while given more agency than in many contemporaneous films, are still largely defined by their relationships with the male protagonists. Mahla, though strong and resourceful, ultimately serves to advance Kincaid’s character arc more than her own.

Ten Tall Men occupies a unique place in the canon of adventure films from the 1950s. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of Burt Lancaster’s other works, it showcases his versatility as an actor and his ability to carry a film with his sheer presence. The movie is a testament to the era’s filmmaking style, where grand, sweeping narratives set in exotic locales captured the imagination of audiences.

One of the significant aspects of the film’s legacy is its reflection of the post-World War II sentiment. During this period, there was a fascination with stories about unity, bravery, and the clash of cultures, which Ten Tall Men encapsulates. It also speaks to the enduring popularity of the French Foreign Legion as a cinematic subject, symbolizing adventure and the ultimate test of endurance and loyalty.

The technical achievements of Ten Tall Men are noteworthy. The film’s use of Technicolor was a significant draw at the time, enhancing the visual storytelling with vibrant hues that brought the desert landscapes and action scenes to life. This visual appeal contributed to the film’s success and its ability to transport audiences to a different world.

Additionally, the film’s score, composed by Victor Young, adds a rich, emotive layer to the narrative. The music underscores the tension and drama of the action scenes and amplifies the romantic and introspective moments, effectively supporting the film’s tone.

Viewed through a modern lens, Ten Tall Men has elements that are problematic, particularly its portrayal of North African cultures. The film’s depiction of the local tribes and their leaders lacks depth and sensitivity, relying on stereotypes that were common in Hollywood productions of the time. This aspect of the film is a reminder of the industry’s historical shortcomings in representing non-Western cultures accurately and respectfully.

In contemporary discussions about classic films, it is essential to acknowledge these flaws while also recognizing the context in which the film was made. Ten Tall Men can be appreciated for its entertainment value and technical prowess, but it also serves as a point of reference for how cultural representations have evolved in cinema.

Ten Tall Men is a quintessential adventure film from the early 1950s, offering a blend of action, romance, and camaraderie set against the exotic backdrop of the North African desert. Burt Lancaster’s charismatic performance and the film’s stunning cinematography are its standout features, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic adventure films. Despite its predictable plot and dated cultural portrayals, the film remains a testament to the enduring appeal of tales of bravery and brotherhood.