While this film is included in the Sam Fuller DVD set from Sony, he did not direct this film but wrote it instead.
The film opens with Kelly receiving a telegram that his brother died. Apparently, the brother was in the Legion and Kelly oddly enlists in order to exact revenge against the evil commander responsible for this death. Odd I say because I could see Kelly killing the guy--but I kept thinking---"What about the revenge plan?! Why is he waiting so long and letting himself be tortured?!". Well, over halfway through the film, Kelly finally acts--taking control of a mutiny and ousting the Commandant. And, speaking of Commandant, C. Henry Gordon was exceptional in this role--menacing and a total jerk!
As far as reviewing the film goes, it's all VERY familiar territory. Like many a French Foreign Legion film, this one features an insane martinet in command who adores tormenting his men. Such plots were seen in many films, including "The Lost Patrol" and "Beau Geste". Because of this, it's less likely you'll seek out "Adventure in Sahara"--it's all too familiar. It also was apparently done on a shoestring budget. Columbia Pictures made a ton of Bs--and at just about one hour, it's clearly intended as a second film in a double-feature. Unlike most of these other Foreign Legion films, this one features relatively unknown actors---with the leading role played by the capable Paul Kelly--hardly a household name. Also, in desert battle scenes, the number of extras used is extraordinarily small--and you can't help but laugh at about 12-15 guys making attacks on the French garrison! And, oddly, despite the French having a machine gun (along with other lovely weapons), they hardly make a dent in the lightly armed North African raiders--all 12-15 of them!! The only time more than 12-15 attack is when they insert footage from another movie! It's easy to tell--the print featuring this large-scale attack is fuzzier and streaky. And, you never see the huge group of Bedouins ever interacting with the Legionnaires--and when the camera pans back, you see just the same 12-15 guys in bedsheets!
Despite the film having a very familiar plot and the low production values, is the film worth seeing? Well, if you've never seen a Foreign Legion film before, sure. Plus, quality-wise it's better than the average B--even with the unimaginative story idea. It is well-acted and interesting and offers a few twists. But, the overall film just is ordinary--and it's probably not one Sam Fuller fans would enjoy.
The film opens with Kelly receiving a telegram that his brother died. Apparently, the brother was in the Legion and Kelly oddly enlists in order to exact revenge against the evil commander responsible for this death. Odd I say because I could see Kelly killing the guy--but I kept thinking---"What about the revenge plan?! Why is he waiting so long and letting himself be tortured?!". Well, over halfway through the film, Kelly finally acts--taking control of a mutiny and ousting the Commandant. And, speaking of Commandant, C. Henry Gordon was exceptional in this role--menacing and a total jerk!
As far as reviewing the film goes, it's all VERY familiar territory. Like many a French Foreign Legion film, this one features an insane martinet in command who adores tormenting his men. Such plots were seen in many films, including "The Lost Patrol" and "Beau Geste". Because of this, it's less likely you'll seek out "Adventure in Sahara"--it's all too familiar. It also was apparently done on a shoestring budget. Columbia Pictures made a ton of Bs--and at just about one hour, it's clearly intended as a second film in a double-feature. Unlike most of these other Foreign Legion films, this one features relatively unknown actors---with the leading role played by the capable Paul Kelly--hardly a household name. Also, in desert battle scenes, the number of extras used is extraordinarily small--and you can't help but laugh at about 12-15 guys making attacks on the French garrison! And, oddly, despite the French having a machine gun (along with other lovely weapons), they hardly make a dent in the lightly armed North African raiders--all 12-15 of them!! The only time more than 12-15 attack is when they insert footage from another movie! It's easy to tell--the print featuring this large-scale attack is fuzzier and streaky. And, you never see the huge group of Bedouins ever interacting with the Legionnaires--and when the camera pans back, you see just the same 12-15 guys in bedsheets!
Despite the film having a very familiar plot and the low production values, is the film worth seeing? Well, if you've never seen a Foreign Legion film before, sure. Plus, quality-wise it's better than the average B--even with the unimaginative story idea. It is well-acted and interesting and offers a few twists. But, the overall film just is ordinary--and it's probably not one Sam Fuller fans would enjoy.
