THE FOUR FEATHERS (1978)

 

This is a 1978 version of A.E.W. Mason's famous story about the meaning of courage, produced for American TV, but also released theatrically in Europe. As far as remakes go, it's rather good. 

Beau Bridges plays Harry Faversham in this version, and he's backed by a great supporting cast: Robert Powell, Simon Ward, Harry Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Richard Johnson. (A note for film geeks: Robert Flemyng also has a very small role.) 

For a TV movie, THE FOUR FEATHERS has stellar credentials. It was directed by Don Sharp, and the cinematography was by John Coquillon. Allyn Ferguson provided a rousing score. 

Don Sharp was the perfect director for this type of material. He knew how to tell a story in a lively manner, and he also knew how to work under a budget. The '78 THE FOUR FEATHERS wasn't shot in widescreen, but it should have been. It was filmed in England and Spain, it has excellent costumes and production design, and the action sequences are handled and edited very well. 

If this movie has any drawback, it's the casting of Beau Bridges in the lead role. I assume that since this was mounted mostly as a program for American TV, the producers wanted an American lead. Bridges isn't terrible, but it takes awhile to accept him as a young British military officer in the late 19th Century. 

After Harry Faversham resigns his commission after finding out he's been sent to Egypt for battle, three of his friends and his true love (Jane Seymour) present him with four feathers--symbols of Harry's supposed cowardice. Harry's father, a life-long distinguished soldier (Harry Andrews) wants nothing more to do with him. Harry decides to go to Egypt on his own, and while in disguise, find a way to prove his mettle in battle. 

Ironically Beau Bridges is much more believable in Arab disguise than he is as a young Englishman. He's still overshadowed by Robert Powell, much the same way as John Clements was overshadowed by Ralph Richardson in the 1939 version of THE FOUR FEATHERS. Powell has the much better role of Harry's best friend, who not only loses his sight in battle, but also loses his chance at love with Jane Seymour (looking exquisite as always). As I did with Ralph Richardson in the '39 version, I had much more interest in Powell's plight than in Harry's. (I also think Powell would have made a better Harry Faversham.) 

Bridges also has to compete with Richard Johnson, who makes a big impression as Abou Fatma, an Arab who helps Harry on his quest. (I know an Englishman playing an Arab isn't supposed to sit well today, but that shouldn't take away from Johnson's fine performance.) As a matter of fact, with all the above-average characterizations in the movie, Bridges' Harry almost gets lost in the shuffle. 

I still think the 1939 version of THE FOUR FEATHERS is the best, but the '78 version stands out on its own, due to the action sequences and the overall cast. (The '78 version actually uses a few shots from the '39 version.) The '78 version also clocks in at a concise 100 minutes. I know I have a reputation for knocking remakes--but I have no problem if a remake is done well. (Besides, the '78 version isn't so much a remake as it is another adaptation of a classic tale.) The 1978 version of THE FOUR FEATHERS can be viewed on the Tubi streaming channel.