Review of Sundown (1941) by Lauren H — 17 Oct 2009

A pretty risible little propaganda piece, with the bizarre casting of Gene Tierney as a supposedly Arab trader (although admittedly we find out later that her father's actual name was Fletcher). Whoever thought that Bruce Cabot should be given anything but supporting roles ought to be raised for ridicule.

He has all the personality of a wooden plank and cannot summon enough acting ability to glance longingly at Tierney, even when she spends half the film in a bikini top. There are some marvelous character actors running around who make the film bearable.

Poor George Sanders looks rather lost and bored as the requisite silly, by-the-book British officer who finally gets wise when the American (sorry, Canadian!!!) goes rogue. One gets the sense that he was probably drinking heavily between takes just to be able to repeat his pat, uninspired lines.

Really, most of these actors have done better films. See those instead.