StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Quiet Muffin This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

Cheryl A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

sddavis63 I found it hard to watch this movie and not be reminded of "Mutiny On The Bounty." Most noticeably, the two movies were released in the same year (1935) and both included Franchot Tone as a co-star. "Mutiny" was, of course, set on a British naval ship in the South Pacific, "Lives" is set on a British Army post in India. In both movies, Tone finds himself playing alongside better known American actors (Clark Gable in the former, Gary Cooper in this.) And both movies feature a tough as nails disciplinarian as commanding officer (Capt. Bligh, of course, in "Mutiny" and Col. Stone in "Lives.") The similarities between the two was probably what kept occurring to me as I watched this."The Lives Of A Bengal Lancer" is essentially about a local tribal chief in India whose goal is to hijack a British munitions train as part of an uprising he's planning against the British - but this really only takes centre stage in the last half hour or so of the movie. Up to that point, I have to confess that I found this rather monotonous. The story introduced a bit of melodrama by having Col. Stone's 21 year old son, freshly graduated from military college) posted as an officer to the regiment. Really, though, there's not a great deal in this opening two thirds or so of the film that justify some of the accolades this film gets as a great action-adventure movie. I will give credit to that last third of the story, though. Once Stone's son is captured by the tribal chief's men and the inevitable attempt at rescue takes place (against Col. Stone's direct orders) the story does get pretty exciting. There's even a somewhat uneasy (although completely non-graphic, because this was 1935) torture scene in which burning bamboo shoots are driven under the captured British officer's fingernails.The performances in this were fine. Cooper and Tone were both very good in their roles. Cooper's American accent was explained away, I guess, by having his character of Lt. McGregor be identified as a Canadian. The supporting cast was also very good. There are even a couple of prophetic hints in the movie that the British Empire may be starting to fade away (as it indeed would, after the Second World War.) The good last half hour or so of the movie raised it a bit in my estimation, but I have to admit that I can't see what would have made this a worthy nominee for seven Academy Awards. I thought it was a bit of a sleeper with a good finish. (5/10)

blanche-2 Directed by Henry Hathaway, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer from 1935 is an excellent film that today is not as well-known as films like Beau Geste and Gunga Din.The film stars Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, Guy Standing, C. Aubrey Smith, and Douglas Dumbrille.The story takes place in India, in the northwest frontier. The 41st Bengal Lancers have had casualties due to a rebel leader, Mohammed Khan. Replacements for the lost men appear: Lt. Forsythe (Tone) and Donald Stone (Richard Cromwell), the son of the head of the Lancers, Colonel Stone. Lt. Alan McGregor (Cooper) rooms with them, due to the fact that he's usually in trouble. Forsythe loves singing "Mother Macree" and pushing McGregor's buttons; but McGregor bonds with the young Stone. Eventually all three become friends.When Stone's son is kidnapped by Mohammed Khan, McGregor and Forsythe want to go after him, but Stone forbids it. The two men dress as Indians and go to Khan's base to rescue Stone.Rousing film with plenty of action, which was one of Hathaway's specialties, with all locations in California but under the hot sun, it could be India. This is the movie where the famous line "We have ways of making you talk" comes from, except that's not the line, it's "We have ways of making men talk" - somehow these famous lines are never exact.Gary Cooper is excellent -- gorgeous as usual, energetic, and passionate. I just saw him in "Ten North Fredrick" so it was a delight to see him in this, 23 years earlier, so young and strong. Tone, who replaced Henry Wilcoxin is very good, and baby-faced Richard Cromwell is right for his role as a kid who wants to be treated like one of the Lancers and not have any special privileges. Cromwell was married to Angela Lansbury for five minutes or so, and was in and out of films, working ultimately as an artist.Lots of action and adventure - hard to know why it isn't appreciated today because the characters are strong, with real relationships and good dialogue. I think I know why - Gunga Din is a George Stevens' film, and Beau Geste was directed by William Wellman. Since Hathaway isn't considered a director in that league, I have a feeling this film is often passed over. It's a shame; it deserves rediscovery.

Sean Gary Cooper stars as a professional soldier opposite Franchot Tone as the cocky one and Richard Cromwell as the wide eyed new recruit. Cromwell's father happens to be the commanding officer and that puts Cooper and Tone against Cromwell for the time being. Of course, the two main leads are also at odds and that makes for some interesting situations.Henry Hathaway gave us his best work with Gary Cooper and this is their best collaboration. It's also Franchot Tone's best film and that's saying a lot when you look at his resume. He may be fairly unknown with today's audience, but the star of Five Graves to Cairo, Dangerous, and Mutiny on the Bounty is one of the best actors of the golden age of Hollywood.Nothing beats Gary Cooper though, and this is his film. He's the main lead and he's the one you'll probably identify with the most. His noble character is something that we see all the time from him, but this is the role that started it all and that's why he plays it so well.This very good adventure story will keep you on the edge of your seat during most of the film. It's especially harrowing in the climactic fight scene. I definitely recommend it to any fan of Gary Cooper and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

d1494 In the very place where American and British troops are searching for Bin laden, the untamed Northwest frontier of modern Pakistan, the regiments of the Imperial British Raj ruled three hundred million with a hand full of men like Guy Standing and C. Aubrey Smith, who exemplified the very best of the military tradition. There are moments of this film that even transcend the story of outnumbered British soldiers, as when C. Aubrey Smith tells a hot headed Gary Cooper the meaning of honor and duty to the regiment. He explains that sometimes there may be a higher calling than fatherly love. Excellent portrayals by Gary Cooper and Franchot Tone and precise attention to detail ensure that this movie holds up nearly 70 years after it was made. This film should be required viewing for modern day Hollywood types, actors and directors alike who think they can make an action movie! This is one of the great films, I give it a 10!