The title of this film might lead one to believe that there will be some tension between cavalry and Indians including the suspenseful, psychologically torturous use of drums. It doesn't happen. Instead, after a pretty vivid opening sequence, the audience is treated to an hour of talk, talk, TALK. The script isn't bad, but needed occasional action interludes to keep the threat of the Indians alive. As the film opens, Indians have raped and killed two women and a surviving little girl is taken to an undermanned fort. Here, crusty Boone is trying to beat privileged Hamilton into shape as an officer. Future stars Bronson and especially Chamberlain have little to do. People keep coming into and back to the fort to report on action that has happened OFFscreen! When the soldiers FINALLY are shown going out for battle, it's an endless array of shots of them trekking through the desert. Eventually there is a fairly tense skirmish, but the Indians are shown mostly from a distance and there is limited drama in the presentation of the battle. And never any drums... Boone gives a decent performance as a weary, haggard, embittered officer. Hamilton is miscast and less effective. The actor commits a cardinal sin as he's introducing himself to Boone. He refers to himself as a member of the "calvary", not cavalry!! Amazing that this wasn't caught in the editing... Patten turns up as the fiancé of a fellow officer who has a history with Hamilton. She's given very little to do but look decorative. Marihugh, so effective in "The Last Voyage", says nary a word and was "retired" shortly after this film. Eddy joins the long list of performers who started with "and introducing" before their name and were scarcely seen (onscreen) again. Long-term "As the World Turns" fans will appreciate seeing Douglas (though he rarely lets the light hit his eyes and looks like a raccoon half the time!) Anyway...a few good scenes, but an ill-advised title.
Review of A Thunder of Drums
