SOUTH OF ALGIERS

UK/US, 1953, 88 minutes, Colour.

Van Heflin, Wanda Hendrix, Eric Portman, Jacques Francois, Marne Maitland.

Directed by Jack Lee.

This is an entertainment typical of the first half of the 1950s, exotic adventures, filmed in authentic locations, finding photography, a blend of cast which is American, British and French. Produced a number of these films as did universal studios in the United States.

As with this kind of adventure, there are archaeologists wanting to explore ancient ruins south of Algiers, including the search for hidden treasure, archaeologists interested in uncovering knowledge, but, of course, some is a drink for the money.

At the centre is a British archaeologist played in typical stiff upper lip style by Eric Portman. Hendrix takes on a British accent to play his daughter. Van Heflin, the necessary American, is a journalist, writer of books, interested in archaeology, suspect by the British proving himself interested, collaborating with the work – and, with the adventurous climax, proving himself something of an action hero. On the other hand, the almost instant falling in love of the central characters is not particularly credible at all.

It is interesting to see North African countries and their lifestyle in the middle of the 20^th century, the ancient traditions (is plenty of dances), exotic tribes and demonstrations, tribal warfare, that the already welcome influence of Western styles, clothes, music, behaviour.

There is a comic touch with Marne Maitland and the touch of pathos with two young orphans trying to sell and he, bought by van Heflin and their taking a long for the adventure.

The film was directed by Jack Lee, of a number of significant British films, especially the prisoner of war film, The Wooden Horse. In Australia who directed A Town like Alice and Robbery under Arms. And in 60s, he moved to Australia.

1. Popular and colourful action adventure of the 1950s? British and American collaboration? Authentic locations in North Africa?
2. The location photography, the cities and their lifestyle, traditional, dances, clothing, poverty, tribes and warfare? The influence of the West in clothing, music, one of life? The musical score?
3. The situation, archaeology in North Africa, British archaeologists, grants, financial difficulties, Dr Burnett and his search for the mask, the imposition of Chapman, his unwillingness, his daughter sharing his work, her fiance?
4. Chapman, journalist, writer, American reputation? Joining Dr Burnett, American style, the plane, the press conference, meeting his daughter, the tour of the city, his enthusiasm, her being tired? His going to the restaurant, the belly dance, the conversation, his room searched?
5. The introduction to the villainous characters, listening in, information, infiltration, partnership, local contacts?
6. Thank you and the taxi, helping, the comic touch, the driving through the countryside, reckless? The site, the Wall, the exploration? The rival searchers?
7. The, Dr Burnett protecting his daughter, her hiring, coming along? In the city, looking for help, the warring tribes?
8. The dangers, the capture of Chapman, his kindness towards the children with the donkey, the enemy, all rounded up, tired, his escape? The battle, the shootouts?
9. The new site, the search, the discovery of the mask? The shootings?
10. The credibility/not of the romance, the nobility of the fiance? Typical ingredients of this kind of action adventure in its time?