A wealthy Indian jewel merchant and an American woman fall in love, only for her family to stand in their way of getting married.A wealthy Indian jewel merchant and an American woman fall in love, only for her family to stand in their way of getting married.A wealthy Indian jewel merchant and an American woman fall in love, only for her family to stand in their way of getting married.
- Rao Rama
- (as Nigel deBrulier)
- Janice's Admirer
- (uncredited)
- Amah - Karim's Servant
- (uncredited)
- Village Dancer
- (uncredited)
- Beggar
- (uncredited)
- Jeweler
- (uncredited)
- Guard
- (uncredited)
- Maitre d'
- (uncredited)
- Bandit with Juggat
- (uncredited)
- Tour Guide
- (uncredited)
- Polo Club President
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRay Milland is in studio records/casting call lists for the role of "Captain," but he is not identifiable in the movie. The reason is that he was fired by director Jacques Feyder who judged him incompetent to play the part of a young Indian army officer.
- Quotes
Karim: Miss Darsay, something has happened. Something very distressing.
Janice Darsey: What?
Karim: I can hardly bear to tell you. A baby scandal.
Janice Darsey: Tell me!
Karim: Come with me.
[They walk toward some caged tigers]
Janice Darsey: Well, what is it?
Karim: Be patient. Behold the bride!
[Pointing at a female tiger with a cub]
Karim: She'll have to do some tall explaining.
Janice Darsey: [Referring to the male tiger] Perhaps he's not very good at arithmetic!
- ConnectionsAlternate-language version of Le fils du rajah (1931)
In his turban and rags, beggar Novarro goes to Bombay, to sell the diamond. But, the jeweler is crooked; to get the gem for nothing, he yells "Thief!" About to lose his diamond, Novarro is assisted by American tourist Conrad Nagel (as William "Bill" Darsay). Mr. Nagel was in the jeweler's shop, and witnessed the incident. In gratitude, Novarro tries to give his Nagel the diamond, but he declines. Next, Novarro sells the diamond, and becomes a wealthy gentlemen.
Now playing polo, Novarro meets shapely young Madge Evans (as Janice Darsey), who is attracted to the handsome horseman. "I adore precious stones," she tells Novarro. The two begin a romance, which makes race-conscious mother Marjorie Rambeau uncomfortable. Novarro and Ms. Evans want to marry, despite ethnic and religious differences. Nagel, Evans' brother, re-enters the picture. He forbids the marriage, reminding Evans, "You're a white woman!"
While sometimes unsatisfying, this film winds up being more thoughtfully presented than you'd expect. The prejudicial issues are represented surprisingly well for the time. MGM production standards are high for star Novarro, who was assigned these (arguably) inappropriate "ethnic" roles frequently, and Evans is an attractive leading lady. In his last American film, director Jacques Feyder shines, subtlety introducing Nagel's character and staging scenes well.
****** Son of India (8/1/31) Jacques Feyder ~ Ramon Novarro, Madge Evans, Conrad Nagel, Marjorie Rambeau
- wes-connors
- Jul 22, 2010
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $503,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 13 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.20 : 1