FLAME OF CALCUTTA

US, 1953, 69 minutes, Colour.
Patric Knowles, Denise Darcel, Paul Cavanagh.
Directed by Seymour Friedman.

Flame of Calcutta is one of those colourful B budget 50s supporting actioners so common at the time. This one is set in India in the 18th century - though very reminiscent of an American western. It features Clive of India, the East- India Company, local uprisings and an energetic dramatic heroine who leads the Indian in revolt. French actress Denise Darcell enjoys herself in this role. The film is an enjoyable piece of hokum - with a touch of historical background.

1. Entertaining B Budget supporting actioner? Colourful, dramatic?

2. Colour photography, the atmosphere of India in the 18th century? Musical score? Stunts and effects?

3. The title, Suzanne as the flame?

4. Suzanne, the background of her diplomatic rebels, seeing her in action before knowing The fights, rescuing him? Her imprisonment

5. Family, her father's death, with the her identity? Love for Keith Lambert? by the Prince? The escape? The confrontation with the enemy, the final battle? Romantic ending?

5. The British, Clive of India and his rule. relationships with local Princes? Revolts? the East India company, trade?

6. The interest of the British Army? Keith Lambert, officer, in love with Suzanne, knowing her identity? The Prince and the set-up for the raiding of the East India Co. to blame the flame? Keith going to meet her, the assassination attempt and her rescue? The encounter with the Prince? The final plan after her arrest, the spies, the battle? Happy ending?

6. Indian politics, local Princes, revolts? The Prince and his advisors, trying to put down the flame, the false raid? The assassination attempt? The use of spies? Double dealings and the final confrontation? The rebels and right on their side?

7. The pedlars, comic touch, overhearing information, selling it to the prince, double dealing with Suzanne, her realising the truth, the escape from prison, feeding them false information?

8. Familiar and popular ingredients done in the brisk B Budget style?