A lot of criticism has been levelled at "Khartoum", with professional critics like Halliwell, Maltin and others of that ilk claiming that it is a dull film. In all fairness, these criticisms are a bit harsh "Khartoum" has wordy sequences, for sure, but if you actually sit and listen to the dialogue it is quite thought-provoking and engrossing. The spectacular sequences, when they come, are impressively staged
but to state that the film is a waste of time between these moments of spectacle is nonsensical.
An Egyptian army led by an English officer is massacred by Muslim fanatics under the leadership of the "awaited one" the Mahdi (Laurence Olivier). Back in London, the Prime Minister William Gladstone (Ralph Richardson) is left to clean up the damaged reputation of his country's imperial might. Public opinion, coupled with the very real threat that the Mahdi's followers may seek to spread their campaign, forces Gladstone to send in a soldier of considerable experience to ease the situation. "Chinese" Gordon (Charlton Heston), a dedicated veteran and devout Christian, is instructed to go to the Sudanese city of Khartoum to protect the European and Egyptian people that live there before they fall foul of the Mahdi's forces. But Gordon has his own hidden agenda, and views his mission as an opportunity to wage war against what he perceives to be savage, uncivilised Muslim marauders. He rallies troops to his side and cannily manipulates the situation to win public support. However, Gladstone's government fail to move quickly in supporting Gordon, and time runs out as the Mahdi's forces lay siege to Khartoum. Gordon realises that the situation is going against him so he evacuates many Europeans, but is left to face an overwhelming enemy force with just a small group of inexperienced soldiers by his side. Hoping that the British reinforcements might arrive in time, Gordon fortifies Khartoum and attempts to defend it against the Mahdi's army. It is, tragically, a doomed act. Three days before help arrives, Khartoum falls to the Muslims and Gordon is killed and mutilated.
It is interesting to see an epic film portraying historical events with uncharacteristic accuracy. There are few poor performances in the film, but some actors deserve a mention more than others. Heston is remarkably good as Gordon, giving perhaps his most well-rounded performance in a historical epic (fine praise indeed, considering he also featured in The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, El Cid, The Agony And The Ecstasy, Fifty Five Days At Peking, and numerous others). Olivier's make-up is a little unconvincing, but his performance as the Mahdi is very good in all other aspects. Richardson's portrayal of Prime Minister Gladstone is simply magnificent, and Richard Johnson adds a solid characterisation as Gordon's loyal friend Colonel Stewart. Lastly, there's a short but excellent cameo from Alexander Knox as the British viceroy in Egypt, Sir Evelyn Baring. The film looks terrific throughout, and is sweepingly scored by Frank Cordell. Don't pay too much heed to the "professional" critics on this one it's much better than their somewhat negative evaluations suggest.
An Egyptian army led by an English officer is massacred by Muslim fanatics under the leadership of the "awaited one" the Mahdi (Laurence Olivier). Back in London, the Prime Minister William Gladstone (Ralph Richardson) is left to clean up the damaged reputation of his country's imperial might. Public opinion, coupled with the very real threat that the Mahdi's followers may seek to spread their campaign, forces Gladstone to send in a soldier of considerable experience to ease the situation. "Chinese" Gordon (Charlton Heston), a dedicated veteran and devout Christian, is instructed to go to the Sudanese city of Khartoum to protect the European and Egyptian people that live there before they fall foul of the Mahdi's forces. But Gordon has his own hidden agenda, and views his mission as an opportunity to wage war against what he perceives to be savage, uncivilised Muslim marauders. He rallies troops to his side and cannily manipulates the situation to win public support. However, Gladstone's government fail to move quickly in supporting Gordon, and time runs out as the Mahdi's forces lay siege to Khartoum. Gordon realises that the situation is going against him so he evacuates many Europeans, but is left to face an overwhelming enemy force with just a small group of inexperienced soldiers by his side. Hoping that the British reinforcements might arrive in time, Gordon fortifies Khartoum and attempts to defend it against the Mahdi's army. It is, tragically, a doomed act. Three days before help arrives, Khartoum falls to the Muslims and Gordon is killed and mutilated.
It is interesting to see an epic film portraying historical events with uncharacteristic accuracy. There are few poor performances in the film, but some actors deserve a mention more than others. Heston is remarkably good as Gordon, giving perhaps his most well-rounded performance in a historical epic (fine praise indeed, considering he also featured in The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, El Cid, The Agony And The Ecstasy, Fifty Five Days At Peking, and numerous others). Olivier's make-up is a little unconvincing, but his performance as the Mahdi is very good in all other aspects. Richardson's portrayal of Prime Minister Gladstone is simply magnificent, and Richard Johnson adds a solid characterisation as Gordon's loyal friend Colonel Stewart. Lastly, there's a short but excellent cameo from Alexander Knox as the British viceroy in Egypt, Sir Evelyn Baring. The film looks terrific throughout, and is sweepingly scored by Frank Cordell. Don't pay too much heed to the "professional" critics on this one it's much better than their somewhat negative evaluations suggest.