Sabu in The Drum

The Director, Zoltan Korda produced a classic movie during the 1930s that stars Sabu, "In The Drum" equal to the magnificence of the Jungle Book. As a young boy, I viewed this movie the first time. Although fiction, this DVD serves as a historical novel about the Era of the British Raj, the British known as Sahibs, The settings of Peshawar, the tribal territory of 12 tribes, the Northwest Frontier, Tokot the capitol of one of the frontiers, and the Northwest Frontier. Although the viewing quality of the film had problem episodes, it had the effect of the dreams of my youth about India, and Afghanistan known as the graveyard of Empires. The military conflicts are similar in our present age, but the difference is the United Nations and other Nations are not empires, and face the same similar problems as the past. The movie is a reminder of works by Rudyard Kipling and I am so pleased to have The Drum in my DVD collection. For the boy in any one - young or old, this DVD is a return to a past era that can help to understand the present and worthy of family viewing. Well done Korda - a producer from that culture can create what other may overlook. Worthy of the 5-star rating!

Don't get the people nit picking about Sabu on the cover. This is a gorgeous forgotten gem. I don't care if Mary Poppins is on the cover. Set in the era of the Raj, but some dialogue, talking about two generations from events in the Sudan, would put it in the 1930's - which it isn't. Film is very entertaining, well shot with beautiful scenery and a typically excellent Massey villain. To me there is some suggestion of the Indian Rebellion and Cawnpore and Lucknow in the plot. A guarantee of safety, a planned massacre, involvement of innocents, and a mini-siege. Also the villain spent time in London. If you liked Northwest Frontier (another excellent movie) and The Four Feathers, get this movie. It does reflect the ethos of a different era but don't let the politically correct scolds stop you. BTW, the region 4 DVD played very well on my US all regions player.

I have been waiting a long time for this film to be redone in a suitable format. Sabu (Jungle Book) is a young prince who is befriended by the British who are protecting the city from rebels. He learns from a young British drummer his own personal drum signal. Raymond Massey portrays the villain who is secretly plotting to massacre all the British soldiers in the city. I remember seeing this film many years ago, I thought that the original broadcast was in black and white, but it appears that the movie has been colorized. Very effective showing the British Raj colonial period in India.

A warning to the easily offended- this film is a product of the 1930s, Do Not judge on the basis of modern mores. That said, The Drum is an excellent example of the Korda brothers' work. The scenery is a well done mix of studio and actual location work, the acting is adequate, the plot a fun rabble rouser that has the stalwart British sahibs, a betrayed prince, and the evil uncle who usurps the prince's throne and rebels against the Raj. Oh, an don't forget the bagpipes! A fun way spend a rainy afternoon.

"The Drum" is an exciting boy's own adventure yarn for big boysand little boys.India, around the turn of last century when it was under Britishrule, was the setting for many exciting adventure movies and afew of those that come to mind are:"The North-West Frontier""Kim""King of the Khyber Rifles""Elephant Boy""The Jungle Book""The Drum", an Alexander Korda production made in 1938 is noexception.It stars that charming young Indian actor Sabu who at the time was14 years of age and was virtually at the peak of his acting career.Other notable character actors include:Raymond MasseyRoger LiveseyValerie HobsonFrancis L. SullivanThe movie is set in a province on India's north-west frontier.Prince Azim (Sabu) is the young son of the Raj and is heir tothe throne. The Raj has signed a treaty with the British forhis kingdom's protection from outside attacks by rebels whowant the British out.However, the Raj also has problems from within mainly fromPrince Ghul (Raymond Massey) who plots the Raj's downfall sothat he can assume power and in so doing deprive Prince Azimof his rightful inheritance. The Raj is slain but Prince Azimescapes death and is forced into hiding by those loyal to himuntil he can return and claim the throne with the help of hisfriend Captain Carruthers (Roger Livesey) and the British army."The Drum" is an opulent technicolor epic that fires theimagination and ones sense of adventure. The battle scenes areimpressive as is the drum roll by the massed drummers.Grand entertainment.

The best quality picture I've seen so far.

I agree with what others have said about the film and will only add that, while the video quality of this release (region 1, NTSC) is not up to Criterion standards, it is adequate and noticeably better than the PRS release Sabu in The Drum also offered by Amazon. Order this one even if you have to wait for it. Note that in spite of what the product listing currently says, this DVD is the 93 minute version, not the 104 minute original British release.

SABU IN THE DRUM REFLECTS THIS ACTORS TRUE PLACE IN CLASSIC MOVIE HISTORY. THIS MOVIE IS EASY TO WATCH TIME AND TIME AGAIN. GREAT ADVENTURE AND CLASSIC ACTION. A GEM WITH ALL THE RIGHT ELEMENTS, GREAT ACTORS AND CHARACTER ACTORS, WELL WRITTEN, FILMED IN COLOR AND ENOUGH ACTOIN AND ADVENTURE TO SATISFY ANY MOVIE BUFF.!!ENJOY!!!