Set in the expanse of the Sudan desert in the midst of holy war, Khartoum (1966) plays like an attempt to work the Lawrence of Arabia magic on the (mostly) true story of eccentric British general Charles "Chinese" Gordon in 1884 North Africa. The magnificent opening desert battle suggests David Lean's epic sweep, at least until the film settles into a more modest story of political games, military standoffs, and a battle of wits and wiles between two fierce leaders. Charlton Heston plays the Christian soldier as cocky, unconventional maverick, and Laurence Olivier... (behind heavy make-up and a thick black beard) is almost as good as his cagey nemesis the Mahdi, the Islamic holy warrior on a mission of annihilation. More talk than spectacle, the film falls short of Lawrence but is nonetheless a compelling story of colonial politics, cynical manoeuvring and the unconventional heroics of another colourful British maverick abroad. --Sean Axmaker [show more]
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Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 or region free DVD player in order to play "Exceptional A truly great spectacle" -Newsweek Academy Award winners Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier face off in this epic stirring drama of two men and two empires Filmed in glorious Cinerama with stunning desert battles staged by the creator of the Ben-Hur chariot race Khartoum is a "magnificently staged action spectacle with outstanding portrayals" (Boxoffice) and breathtaking cinematography In 1883 British Prime Minister Gladstone (Ralph Richardson) dispatches General Charles Gordon (Heston) to Khartoum Sudan where thousands of civilians are threatened by a Muslim fanatic the Mahdi (Olivier) and his army of followers Gordon gains the Mahdi&39;s respect but can&39;t prevent the Mahdi&39;s men from laying siege to the city Now as history hangs in the balance Gordon faces the fight of his life defending the ancient city of Khartoum
Biopic chronicling the last years of General Gordon (Charlton Heston). In 1883, Gordon takes charge of the British army against the Arab forces in the Sudan, led by the charismatic and bloodthirsty Mahdi (Laurence Olivier). A mutual respect grows between the two leaders, as the conflict grows in intensity and the British troops find themselves besieged in Khartoum.
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