Clive of India

This is one of Ronald Colman's lesser movies, as well as one of his lesser-known. But for all that, and the fact that it normally receives mixed reviews at best, it's not too bad. The film focuses more on the story and action rather than on deep characterization, but it's entertaining. It's dated, but watchable. Ronald Colman is great, as always, being one of the most dashing and distinguished actors of all.

Would I recommend? No, not like I would other Ronald Colman films (and he has done some fantastic stuff). But if you're already a devoted fan of his, you may want to give it a try. It really depends on individual tastes.

Ronald Colman isn't really anywhere near his best in this rather dry biopic of the founder of the British Raj in the 18th Century. He is embarrassingly spared the worst consequences of a duel in Britain and arrives in shame, as a lowly clerk, in a country still a collection of Princely states. It's when he becomes besieged, and his betters haven't a clue how to defeat their advancing enemy, that he emerges as a bit of a soldier and, soon married to "Margaret" (Loretta Young) he climbs the ranks of the East India Company adding wealth and prosperity to all he meets. It's his last visit that facilitates huge expansion of British rule but earns him the enmity of the petty back in London who wish to impeach him and rob him of his honour and his...