An intelligent film—engaging/intelligent narrative with strong performances by Audie Murphy and especially Michael Redgrave—I also think the decision to shoot on location (apparently the first Hollywood film filmed in Vietnam) helped
Godard (critic at the time) had it as the best film of the year…. pause…. Wow
Less consequential is that apparently Graham Greene (author of the book) hated it
Apparently Mankiewicz (huge at the time) offered it to Laurence Olivier (as Redgrave’s role) and Montgomery Clift—I’m not sure why they didn’t do it- these are two great roles
Redgrave can really act- he’s good here
Typical of Mankiewicz’s oeuvre—voice-over flashback and cynical as hell (Redgrave a great role/character)
Murphy is very good at playing naivety—almost too good—wholesome
There’s a great scene where Redgrave asks for a cigarette, Murphy offers him the whole pack, and Redgrave flips out on him
The location shooting pays off—a sea of people at the Chinese New Year opening, the religious festival, town square as a character— like Gone With the Wind – personal drama amidst the larger political backdrop
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