Watch Sundown

Sundown is a classic war-time drama from 1941 directed by Henry Hathaway and starring Gene Tierney, Bruce Cabot, and George Sanders. The film is set in East Africa during the early stages of World War II, where British and Italian soldiers are fighting for control of the continent. The story revolves around a group of British soldiers stationed in a remote outpost deep in the desert, who are trying to fend off a series of attacks by the Italian army.

Gene Tierney plays the role of Zia, the beautiful and mysterious daughter of a local Arab chieftain, who becomes involved with one of the British soldiers, Michael, played by George Sanders. Zia is caught between her loyalty to her own people and her growing feelings for Michael, and her presence in the camp adds an extra layer of tension to the already fraught situation. Bruce Cabot plays the tough and experienced Captain Kurt von Hecht, who leads the Italian forces in their campaign against the British.

Sundown is a film that captures the mood and atmosphere of war-torn Africa, with its sweeping vistas, scorching heat, and constant danger. The cinematography, by Charles Lang, is outstanding, with stunning wide shots of the desert landscape and close-up shots that capture the gritty reality of life in the military. The film's score, composed by Miklos Rozsa, is also memorable, with its haunting melodies that underscore the film's themes of love and loss, honor and duty.

One of the strengths of Sundown is its portrayal of the complex relationships between the different characters. The British soldiers in the outpost are a diverse group, with different personalities and backgrounds that clash at times. There is tension between Michael and the tough Sergeant Major, MacDonald, played by Reginald Gardiner. There is also friction between the officers, with the inexperienced Lieutenant Spence, played by Carl Esmond, butting heads with the brutal and pragmatic Captain O'Hara, played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke.

The relationships between the British soldiers and the local population are also explored in the film. There is a sense of mutual respect between the soldiers and the Arab tribesmen who provide them with crucial supplies and information. However, there is also the feeling that the British do not fully understand the cultural and social dynamics of the region, and that they are viewed with suspicion by some of the locals. Bruce Cabot's character, Captain von Hecht, is particularly interesting in this regard, as he is portrayed as a man who is not entirely comfortable with the idea of fighting a war in Africa, and who has a complex relationship with the native people.

One of the most striking scenes in Sundown is the sequence where the Italian soldiers launch a fierce attack on the British outpost. The tension builds slowly as the soldiers prepare for the onslaught, and then erupts into a chaotic and violent battle that leaves several casualties on both sides. The scene is expertly choreographed, with the camera capturing the frenzy of the fighting from multiple angles. The aftermath of the battle is equally gripping, as the soldiers pick through the rubble and tend to the wounded.

Overall, Sundown is a well-crafted and engaging film that offers an insightful look into the early stages of World War II in Africa. The performances by the cast are uniformly excellent, with Gene Tierney standing out in particular as the conflicted and alluring Zia. The film's themes of love, war, and cultural difference still resonate today, and its cinematography and score are truly exceptional. Whether you are a fan of classic war dramas or just looking for a good movie to watch on a lazy afternoon, Sundown is definitely worth checking out.

Sundown is a 1941 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.