NICHOLAS RAY, OPUS 20
**** 1963. Directed by Nicholas Ray. Two nominations for the Oscars (Dimitri Tiomkin). After King of Kings, this is the second Samuel Bronston production in a row for Nicholas Ray who, at the age of 52, delivers with 55 DAYS AT PEKING his last film. Peking, 1900. The empress's counselor persuades her to help the Boxers attack the 400 international soldiers trapped in a fortified compound in the middle of the city. The film is a great adventure movie but impossible to find here themes one could relate to the filmography of Nicholas Ray. No interesting bonus features but an above average copy here if you own a multi-zone DVD player. Recommended.

A short review from a nobody.
First of all, everybody reading this should read all the reviews about this movie. I started to write a scalding statement about political correctness (twice now...I deleted both) but have changed my mind. I would like to say on the subject of historical accuracy about 55 Days at Peking I seem to remember one of the survivors wrote the novel and would suggest you read that. I wish I had. Oh well, everybody has their opinion--and so do I, a nobody--but you will find most peoples opinion are worth just what they cost to hear...absolutly nothing.

That said, on with the review.

PROS:

1. It stars Charlton Heston, the cutie Ava Gardner, and THE David Niven. That's a star right there.
2. Somewhat tightly written with a few sub plots that don't really get in the way. That's a star.
3. The actors can act. That's another star.
4. Obviously the Director can direct. That is a star.
5. The idea is a sound one. That's a star. The United States, and ten other of the worlds superpowers are involved with China at the beginning of the twentieth century. Apparently most of the super powers at that time want to divide China up amongst themselves...as I understand -- from the movie, not actual history books -- neither the Americans or British wanted any of their lands or to occupy their country. Beats me, I wasn't there. Nevertheless, we are there when the radical factions of China rise up--all countries have leftist radicals, we do to. And of course the director is showing most of the country wasn't like that. In fact they were showing most of China was full of good people and from the opening scenes and music you might gain the idea it was a tranquil place to live. (I remember hearing--decades ago in my many wonderings around this world, when our forces finally entered the 'compound' they asked the Americans inside if they heard their bugles. That they sent many calvery charges in an attempt to break through enemy lines. That several of them fell short by only a couple miles. But once again I wasn't there and I haven't read that survivors book--so I don't know. Anyway I think you should read the book to be sure. Afterall, he was there and saw and heard the whole thing--not us and not the people who wrote the history books. Besides that, you remember the historic notes about the Alamo? I heard that lady who was one of the survivors said they never even asked her what happened until 22 years later! Not to scratch up an old wound, mind you...but I never go by offical history from either side, I usually go by the eyewitness reports.)
six. Plently of battle scenes and they appear to be accurate. The dress of all sides seems accurate--but of course I wouldn't know, I wasn't there. The uniforms of us Americans I think are accurate. By the way when I say the battle scenes appear accurate, I don't mean historically--darn it I wish I'd read that book before I wrote this! Anyway, plently of heroics to go around from all nations...hard to believe seventeen years or so later that same bunch is out on the battlefield killing each other. Oh well. The best ideas seem to die young and the stupid ones seem to go on an on and on until another war starts.

Ah let's cut this short.

It's a fine movie leaning toward great. I recommend it, I bought it. Do the same and write your own review.

Buy it, don't rent--and you might get the book so you can do a better job than me. Bye!

Good film, bad deal
I had this film on VHS and wanted the digital version. Too bad, I did not get it. The Amazon supplier sent a European version that did not work in my DVD player. I called him and found out that customer care was not among his strengths. Not a good experience, but if you can get 55 Days at Peking in NTSC format, it's a great, old war film.

Epic Picture on Forgotten Part of History!
I felt this was an is a great film portraying the beginning of the new century...the beginnings of anti-colonialism are rearing up and the Europeans and the U.S. realize that diplomacy must be used first-then war! An all-star cast tells the tale of the siege by the Boxers (a fanatical quasi-religious organization) of the Western nations embassys in Peking. Great battle scenes and lots of political intrigue. I remember seeing this as a young boy in the 1970's and I still find it to be a powwrful movie. The politically correct crowd will not enjoy it but if you like history and action this is a must see!!!

Hard to find clasic movie DVDs.
The movie is a copy the disc looks different than a newly purchased one. Theese clasics should come in the A & B selection. Disc should be standard on one side and widescreed on the other. I would like to see moore titles soon. I will be looking for them.