Set in the India of the British Raj, the evil and untrustworthy Prince Guhl (Raymond Massey) plans to wipe out the British troops as they enjoy the hospitality of Guhl's spacious palace. It's up to the loyal young Prince Azim (Sabu) to warn the troops of Guhl's treachery by tapping out a message on his drum.
Cinematography
Korda's India is a lush, saturated fantasy—real locations, fake politics
Production
Built an entire North-West Frontier town at Denham Studios
Acting
Sabu at 14: charisma that transcends the script's racism
Director
Zoltan Korda
Sabu
Prince Azim
Raymond Massey
Prince Ghul
Valerie Hobson
Mrs. Carruthers
Roger Livesey
Capt. Carruthers
David Tree
Lieut. Escott
Desmond Tester
Bill Holder
Francis L. Sullivan
Governor
Archibald Batty
Major Bond
Frederick Culley
Dr.Murphy
Roy Emerton
Wafadar
Michael Martin Harvey
Mullah
Martin Walker
Herrick
Ronald Adam
Major Gregoff
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sabu became Hollywood's go-to 'Indian' star despite being born in Mysore and raised partly in Britain; his stardom both broke barriers and reinforced stereotypes.
The real British Army provided extras and technical advisors, making this officially sanctioned imperial propaganda—released as tensions rose before WWII.
US
GB
