anordall Convincingly done, above all. We can believe the characters, they are real and moving. This movie is "British to the marrow" (thanks, Ringo Starr), and is an astonishing feat of Parrish, an American, that he has been able to so beautifully direct it so as to capture the British/colonial spirit of the story (the same for the acting of American star Gregory Peck). Only those addict to modern-day violent "action" movies will find this movie slow-paced; it goes exactly at the pace it should go. The cinematography is GREAT, so is the acting and the correctness of the technical details, only that I don't believe AT-6s were employed by the Southeast Asia Command; also, the crew of the crashed plane doesn't seem to have received a reasonable training on jungle survival. Peck is a handsome hero, but also humane and fragile; the final scene, when he lies down on the bed alongside the sleeping girl and also falls asleep is deeply touching!

naseby Some may not like this film, where a little slow love interest moves in, but nevertheless, it works within the plot totally (and I'm not one for mush!). Gregory Peck, he whom makes any standard film above that, is the central character, Squadron Leader Bill Forrester. Again, the man plagued by problems, that of depression sinking in after the death of his wife in a blitz on wartime London, surviving the very same himself. He's now stationed in Burma in the last stages of the war, but noticeably at odds with his squadron over his rantings which, undoubtedly have got the better of him, much to their angst. Everyone is affected by his angst which is getting more wayward and frustrating to all day by day and even the CO wants him out.Thankfully, on the base, the laid-back Doctor Harris (ok, the 'M.O') (Bernard Lee) suggests he accompany him out of the 'camp' to see the other side and perhaps, why we're fighting this war. Harris introduces him to a missionary station run by a Mrs McNab (Brenda De Banzie). She welcomes Forrester to the 'enclave' where he meets a lovely, pretty Burmese teacher, Anna (Win Min Than). The love interest that then matures between them will obviously, and does, bring him out of his depressed state, as well as seeing how the missionary Mrs McNab has shown him the other side of himself via the mission - it'd humble anybody. However, the war is always still there, Forrester is sent on a mission with the friendly but matter-of-fact Blore, the photo-reconnaissance man, played with usual upper-class aplomb in authoritative character actor, Maurice Denham (has that guy EVER looked young/had hair?). They and another new officer posted to the squadron, Carrington (Lyndon Brook) subsequently take off on the mission, but suffer engine problems and crash-land in a desolate, arid area of Burma - the film significantly changes tack where you least expect, I think, where the three have to survive in the 'purple plain'. Short of food, water and the intense heat, the characters come together or work against each other, in the case of Blore, the latter now finding himself at odds with Forrester, especially as they have to 'carry' Carrington as he was injured in the subsequent crash-landing. As the wilderness kicks into their attitude and physical being, Blore finally shoots himself, leaving just Forrester and Carrington finally making it home. Forrester's love for Anna saw him through his worst time and the next time again. This film is one of those that doesn't feature a lot on TV, but it should, but it's still 'familiar' and remains in the back of your mind from time to time in movie history, as I say probably for not being shown enough. Brenda De Banzie's character did honestly get on my nerves with her 'Christian missionary' rantings, but it was central to the plot in bringing Forrester out of himself. This is also another film that features the excellent De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber. There are some moments of 'special effects' of the day, in this respect, maybe a bit laughable after the CGI of today, but still, competent for the time - watch it, it's good!

alexanderemory11 The Purple Plain is a true classic. Has a simple but great plot and Gregory Peck does a fine job. Good movie for a rainy afternoon.The Purple Plain is a 1954 British war film, based on the 1947 novel The Purple Plain by H. E. Bates.[1] Produced with a relatively modest budget by J.Arthur Rank Studios, the production was directed by Robert Parrish, with screen writing by novelist Eric Ambler in consultation with the author. Color photography was by Geoffrey Unsworth. The film was produced on location in Sigiriya, in what was then Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and utilized several locations later used in Bridge on the River Kwai. The film was successful at the box office and was ultimately nominated in the category of ''Best British film'' of 1954 at the 8th British Academy Film Awards. The award was presented to the dramatic comedy Hobson's Choice. Actor Maurice Denham was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Blore.The Purple Plain is generally historically accurate with good production values and attention to detail, and depicts the native Burmese in a respectful manner. The war based survival film also includes several eccentric characters, including Miss McNab, an elderly missionary, played by British actress Brenda De Banzie. The aircraft in the film were repainted in accurate camouflage and markings, and were provided through the cooperation of the Royal Air Force (RAF). RAF members were on-site during filming, and several are credited as extras.

Michael Warburton A pot-boiler of a Film that is intelligently crafted by Director Robert Parrish. To some it may seem intolerably slow & lacking pace, but to others like myself the Film does something that nearly all Films in the Fifties and indeed many now do not even attempt to achieve, and that is take the time to investigate the main characters in depth and in detail. This is done not via long tracts of dialogue, but via the un-said. In particular Peck and the astonishingly beautiful and talented Win Man Than as 'Anna' develop their relationship in the Film in the subtlest and most delicate of manners. I can find no further information on Win Man Tan, but her performance in this period piece, is one part enchanting, one part mesmerising. We understand fully how Peck's psychiatric problems eventually dissolve as hie begins to find perspective courtesy of love for 'Anna'. This Film is not staggering nor the best piece of Cinema you will ever see, but it is superbly acted, wonderfully cast, sparingly written, adroitly directed, and deserves to be watched by anyone who has a love of Cinema. Recommended, because what we see at our Cinemas today has MUCH to learn from Movie making such as this.