Watch Drums in the Deep South
- Approved
- 1951
- 1 hr 27 min
-
5.8 (457)
Set during the American Civil War, Drums in the Deep South follows two childhood friends, Jack and Kenneth, who find themselves fighting on opposite sides of the conflict. Jack, played by James Craig, is a Union officer while Kenneth, played by Guy Madison, is fighting for the Confederacy. As the two armies clash in the deep south, they find themselves pitted against each other on the battlefield.
As the war rages on, Jack and Kenneth both fall in love with the same woman, Kathy, played by Barbara Payton. While Jack and Kathy begin a romance, Kenneth is left to pine for her from afar. This adds an extra layer of tension to the already fraught relationship between the two former friends.
Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to stunning vistas of the deep south, as well as thrilling battle sequences. The film was shot on location in Georgia and Tennessee, giving it an authentic feel. The battle scenes are particularly impressive, with large groups of extras used to recreate the epic scale of the conflict.
Despite its impressive visuals, Drums in the Deep South also tackles some weighty themes, such as the futility of war and the cost of love. It's clear from the start that Jack and Kenneth's friendship is something special, so seeing them forced to fight against each other is particularly heart-wrenching. The movie doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of war, with several scenes of soldiers being mowed down by gunfire.
The love triangle between Jack, Kenneth, and Kathy also provides a compelling emotional center to the film. While Kathy is clearly torn between the two men, it's also apparent that both Jack and Kenneth are equally passionate about her. This leads to some tense moments between the three characters and raises questions about what people are willing to sacrifice in order to be with the ones they love.
Despite the serious subject matter, Drums in the Deep South also has moments of humor and levity. For example, there's a scene where Jack and Kenneth are forced to dress up as women in order to sneak past Confederate soldiers. The scene is played for laughs, but also serves to underscore the desperate measures soldiers were willing to take in order to gain an advantage.
Overall, Drums in the Deep South is a gripping war drama that manages to balance its action-packed set pieces with moments of genuine emotional depth. With strong performances from its three leads and gorgeous cinematography, it's a movie that will leave an impression on anyone who watches it.
Drums in the Deep South is a 1951 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.