A THUNDER OF DRUMS turns up nothing new in terms of a script, but Director Joseph Newman manages to get his crew to deliver a solid production that stands mainly on the quality of the acting, fleshing out interesting characters such as Richard Boone as the captain in charge of a fort that receives young lieutenants like McQuade (George Hamilton), Porter (Richard Chamberlain), Gresham (James Douglas) where he would much rather have had experienced hands.
Boone, Hamilton, Arthur O'Connell as Sgt Rodermill, and Charles Bronson as Trooper Hanna stand out for different reasons, but all give the outfit sufficient credibility to keep me watching, the plot further spiced up when we learn that Lt Gresham is about to marry a woman that used to McQuade's girl, and she still has feelings for him.
Boone has some qualms about Hamilton's father quashing his upward mobility but he shows his expertise at detecting and identifying the Comanches on the warpath. The battle sequences are fittingly done and cinematography and editing rate satisfactory. Better than just a time passer. 7/10.
Boone, Hamilton, Arthur O'Connell as Sgt Rodermill, and Charles Bronson as Trooper Hanna stand out for different reasons, but all give the outfit sufficient credibility to keep me watching, the plot further spiced up when we learn that Lt Gresham is about to marry a woman that used to McQuade's girl, and she still has feelings for him.
Boone has some qualms about Hamilton's father quashing his upward mobility but he shows his expertise at detecting and identifying the Comanches on the warpath. The battle sequences are fittingly done and cinematography and editing rate satisfactory. Better than just a time passer. 7/10.