Ten Tall Men

Ten Tall Men, directed by Willis Goldbeck and produced by Harold Hecht, is a thrilling action-packed adventure film that takes the audience into the unforgiving and heated landscape of the Sahara Desert. Released by Columbia Pictures in 1951, this Technicolor gem stars the charismatic Burt Lancaster, alongside Jody Lawrance and Gilbert Roland, and takes viewers on a riveting journey of courage, camaraderie, and military resilience.

In the film, Burt Lancaster, known for his athletic physique and captivating on-screen presence, plays the leading role of Sgt. Mike Kincaid of the French Foreign Legion. Kincaid is a daring and dedicated soldier who is exceptionally proud to be a part of the Legion, a unique band of men hailing from all walks of life, united in their pursuit of honor, respect, and global justice.

Set against the backdrop of the 1904 Moroccan uprisings, Ten Tall Men tells the story of a group of French Foreign Legionnaires who take a stand against the fiercely rebellious Riff tribesmen. When the Legionnaires learn of an imminent attack planned by the Riffs on their French comrades, Kincaid takes the lead, assembling a gritty team of ten fearless men who would rather face death than desert defying the rebel assault.

Alongside Burt Lancaster, the valiant Jody Lawrance portrays the stunning and mysterious Mahla, a captive of the Riffs. The film features an intricate and intriguing subplot of a warm yet complicated romantic relationship that blossoms between Mahla and the dedicated sergeant. Lawrance's portrayal of Mahla is marked with a potent mix of grace, allure, and a fierce will, making her an unforgettable character in the story.

Completing this lead triad is Gilbert Roland, portraying Corporal Luis Delgado, Kincaid's loyal right-hand man. Roland's character enriches the film's narrative with his impeccable understanding of the legion's ethos. Delgado's unwavering loyalty to his comrade and Ten Tall Men's mission becomes an integral part of the storyline, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The movie offers an exhilarating mix of nail-biting warfare, subtle humor, and tender romance against a backdrop of an intense military scenario. Ten Tall Men is predominantly a tale of warfare and adventure, but the camaraderie between the 'ten tall men' and the romantic subplot between Kincaid and Mahla provide moments of respite from the battlefield. Yet, these tender moments never take away from the principal narrative; instead, they gradually build and enhance the layers of the storyline.

What sets Ten Tall Men apart is its lush cinematography, carried out brilliantly by Ernest Laszlo. The film successfully transports the audience into the heart of the Moroccan desert, capturing the vast, sun-soaked landscapes with sheer brilliance. Furthermore, the film' s exceptional production design by Rudolph Sternad gives a realistic yet visually captivating representation of the period setting.

The well-choreographed action sequences and the high-stakes battles are another standout aspect of the film, showcasing the abilities of the cast to convincingly portray hardened, battle-ready soldiers. Despite its lighthearted moments and gorgeous cinematography, the movie never shies away from displaying the disruptive and chaotic side of warfare, thus maintaining a balance between entertainment and authenticity in the representation of this military adventure tale.

Director Willis Goldbeck, along with the powerful performances by Burt Lancaster, Jody Lawrance, and Gilbert Roland, delivers a captivating narrative with strong character arcs. The film brings out the best of both the action and romance genres, balancing the harsh realities of war with the human elements of trust, love, and companionship.

In conclusion, Ten Tall Men is a thrilling action-adventure film that takes viewers on a riveting journey through the harsh terrains of the Sahara. Unfolding the heroic tales of Sgt. Mike Kincaid and his squad, the movie crafts a story replete with daring battles, camaraderie, and a subtle touch of romance. This 1951 classic stands as an entertaining piece of Hollywood filmmaking that still resonates with film lovers today.