This film is a very good example of the difference between which is more important you -- reality or an entertaining film? This is an entertaining film. No question about it. And yet, as I sat there watching it, I logically felt it included so much that I didn't like. Let's start with Pat O'Brien. Was he a really good actor? For me, the answer is no. He talked too fast and seemed to think that good acting was nothing more than raising his voice. Yet most people -- including me -- usually enjoyed him on the screen. Even James Cagney can't be considered a good actor. I remember watching a Cagney film once with an Asian friend, and he kept asking me why Americans enjoyed someone who was so clearly overacting. And Cagney certainly was often guilty of that...although in this film he is more restrained, and as a result it is a better performance. But, the answer is that we enjoyed Cagney on the screen. Andy Devine...is that good acting? No, but there was something endearing about his buffoonery. I have to admit that George Tobias (who we usually see as a Bronx or Queens type) did well in playing a stereotypical Latin revolutionary. Stereotypes here galore, particularly in how the Latinos are depicted...lazy...stupid. And how Cagney, and particularly O'Brien treat the locals in downright disgraceful.
Yet, this is an entertaining film.
Is there any really good acting here? I'd single out Ann Sheridan, who has some pretty snappy dialog in a role that highlights her acting style. Although this is more a drama, her performance reminds a lot of her performance in "I Was A Male War Bridge" with Cary Grant, although that was a comedy. No doubt, she's enjoyable on screen.
Although the part isn't very substantial, also watch for George Reeves (television's Superman) as a Latino.
Considering that this film was made in Hollywood, I have to admit that Warner Brothers did a pretty decent job of making it look like Central America.
So, despite the many things in this film that I generally dislike, it's an interesting flick. For fun...recommended.
Yet, this is an entertaining film.
Is there any really good acting here? I'd single out Ann Sheridan, who has some pretty snappy dialog in a role that highlights her acting style. Although this is more a drama, her performance reminds a lot of her performance in "I Was A Male War Bridge" with Cary Grant, although that was a comedy. No doubt, she's enjoyable on screen.
Although the part isn't very substantial, also watch for George Reeves (television's Superman) as a Latino.
Considering that this film was made in Hollywood, I have to admit that Warner Brothers did a pretty decent job of making it look like Central America.
So, despite the many things in this film that I generally dislike, it's an interesting flick. For fun...recommended.