Desert Sands
| Desert Sands | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lesley Selander |
| Produced by |
Howard W. Koch Aubrey Schenck |
| Screenplay by |
Danny Arnold George W. George George F. Slavin |
| Based on |
Punitive Action by John Robb |
| Starring |
Ralph Meeker Marla English J. Carrol Naish John Carradine Ron Randell John Smith Keith Larsen |
| Music by | Paul Dunlap |
| Cinematography | Gordon Avil |
| Edited by | John F. Schreyer |
Production company |
Bel-Air Productions |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Desert Sands is a 1955 American adventure film directed by Lesley Selander and written by Danny Arnold, George W. George and George F. Slavin. The film stars Ralph Meeker, Marla English, J. Carrol Naish, John Carradine, Ron Randell, John Smith and Keith Larsen. The film was released on November 18, 1955, by United Artists.[1][2] The film was based on the 1954 novel Punitive Action, one of a series of French Foreign Legion novels written by John Robb.
Plot
A strong force of mounted tribal Arabs launches a surprise attack on a French Foreign Legion fort in the North African desert, having previously intercepted and brutally massacred a relief column en route to the fort. After an Alamo-like battle, the more numerous Arabs capture the fort.[3] Addressing the surviving Legionnaires as captives, the Arab leader makes passing reference to Pan-Islam as a motivation for the attacks.
Various sub-plots ensue, until eventually another Legion relief column approaches the fort, unaware that it has been captured. The Arabs create the appearance that all is well and ambush the relief column as it enters the fort. Meanwhile the captive Legionnaire survivors from the original garrison escape and join the fighting. Another all-out, Alamo-style shootout follows, but this time the reinforced Legionnaires are victorious.[2] The French flag is raised over the fort once again as the captured Arab survivors are led away.
Cast
- Ralph Meeker as Capt. David Malcolm
- Marla English as Princess Zara
- J. Carrol Naish as Sgt. Diepel
- John Carradine as Jala the Wine Merchant
- Ron Randell as Pvt. Peter Ambrose Havers
- John Smith as Pvt. Rex Tyle
- Keith Larsen as El Zanal
- Lita Milan as Alita
- Philip Tonge as Cpl. Sandy Mc Tosh
- Peter Mamakos as Pvt. Lucia 'Lucky' Capella
- Otto Waldis as Gabin
- Jarl Victor as Lt. Gina Mackie
- Mort Mills as Woloack
- Aaron Saxon as Tama
- Nico Minardos as Gerard
- Albert Carrier as Ducco
- Terence De Marney as Kramer
- Peter Bourne as Weems
- Peter Norman as Dr. Kleiner
- Joseph Waring as Dylak Spokesman
- Bela Kovacs as Maj. Henri Panton
References
- ↑ "Desert Sands". TV Guide. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Desert Sands (1955) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
- ↑ Crowther, Bosley (November 19, 1955). "Screen: Foreign Legion; Gory 'Desert Sands' Bows at Palace". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved March 28, 2015.