Never So Few Details

This MGM drama about wartime activity in Burma was clearly influenced by The Bridge on the River Kwai, and is notable mainly for its use of Ceylon locations; the discussion of key moral issues is quickly discarded for the sake of a hot romance between Frank Sinatra and the immaculate Gina Lollobrigida. When the film was released, two virtually unknown actors received career-boosting reviews: both Richard Johnson and Steve McQueen progressed to better roles, the latter famously teaming up again with co-star Charles Bronson and director John Sturges for The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape. Today, this film is a fascinating relic of a studio in decline, combining those on the way up (McQueen, Bronson) with those in the twilight of their careers (Paul Henreid, Brian Donlevy) in a story undimmed by the star casting of Sinatra, who had yet to acquire the image that would undermine his credibility in such roles forever.

OSS captain Sinatra (plus facial hair in the opening scenes) finds himself leading a handful of Kachin guerillas... read more on Time Out