"Clive of India" does feature some rigorous battles with some raging elephants but only for a few frames and not nearly enough to satisfy any action fans. The director might even have culled some of the scenes from other films since the overall production values of this movie are not extravagant in any way. That said, Ronald Colman (as Clive) gives his usual excellent performance as the British officer who first brought India to its knees in the 18th Century. Loretta Young, looking as beautiful as a woman can be, co-stars as Clive's loving wife. Colin Clive, a distant relative of the real Clive of India, has a brief but important role as an arrogant aristocrat. Most film buffs will recognize the actor Clive as the gentleman who made such a great and lasting impression as Doctor Frankenstein in two of James Whale's early 1930's horror classics. The story here is perfunctory but Colman has a few good lines. After being brought before the House of Lords for disciplinary action, Clive is approached by one of his older peers who sneers at him, "If I were a younger man, I'd challenge you to a duel." Clive remains unperturbed and gives it back to the old fellow with interest.
"If you were a younger man, you wouldn't dare."
"If you were a younger man, you wouldn't dare."