The Purple Plain (1954)

Academy Award®-winner* Gregory Peck gives a "commanding and convincing" (Citizen-News) performance in "exotic" (Mirror-News) World War II drama. An "engrossing" (Citizen-News) and "visually alluring" (LA Examiner) film full of harrowing suspense The Purple Plain is "something everyone should see" (LA Daily News).After his wife is killed during the Blitz Forrester (Peck) is bent on achieving one thing in the war: his death. But when his plane crash-lands in enemy territory he realizes that he must save himself in order to guide his two injured companions to safety. As they cross the Burmese desert with no food and little water Forrester's will to live grows stronger than ever.System Requirements: Running Time 102 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 027616921703 Manufacturer No: 1008132 Product Description

Gregory Peck fan, here....

...and I will admit that this isn't my favorite roll of his. But it is a good story, quite suspenseful and well directed. The characters are, well, characters, in the "British" sense. That means, that they are drawn with clearly delineated strengths and weaknesses, and are each rather eccentric in their own way. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes Peck's acting and might have missed this one. And to anyone who likes war movies with a bit of psychology woven into the interaction of the characters. February 7, 2008

'Per Ardua Ad Astra'

In this enjoyable wartime yarn (set in WWII Burma) the Royal Canadian Air Force would have been proud of Gregory Peck as the angry, deeply troubled pilot who literally battles 'through adversity to reach the stars' (or in this case star - the enchanting Anna played by actress Win Min Than). Peck as Forrester is haunted by the loss of his wife killed during a German bombing raid on London. Through a series of nighmares, flashbacks and some atmospheric use of sound while Peck lays soaked with perspiration in his tiny tent, Director Robert Parrish brings the H E Bates novel and Eric Ambler's screenplay to life.

Memorable performances from British screen stalwarts Maurice Denham (Blore), Bernard Lee (Dr Harris)and Lyndon Brook (Carrington)together with Ambler's racey pacey script keeps audiences guessing to the end. Brenda De Banzie's wonderful performance as missionary 'Miss McNab' and Win Min Than as the beautiful, gentle 'Anna' are just what the doctor ordered for the brooding Forrester as he battles behind Japanese lines when his Mosiquito fighter-bomber crashes on a routine mission.

Released in 1954, when the British War movie genre was in full flow, Parrish manages moments of Hitchcock in a taut psychological drama of Peck against the elements driven by duty, personal pride and the beautiful Anna who waits anxiously in a Burmese village. It might not be a classic (whatever that might be) but The Purple Plain nevertheless captivates and entertains through tragedy, love and action-packed drama. Well done Greg! And well done cast, crew and writers! Chocks away chaps! May 19, 2006

12 O'Clock High Goes Burmese

The Purple Plain is a winner, a handsomely mounted WW2 drama set in Burma where the Japanese are never seen: the enemy is the hostile landscape and the memories that cripple its hero. Gregory Peck's damaged pilot is still suffering from a bad case of 12 O'Clock High after the death of his wife in an air raid on their wedding night until he falls for Burmese girl Win Min Tan. (This being 1954, they may share an inter-racial romance, but they never actually kiss.) Naturally, as soon as he rediscovers a reason for living he's shot down behind enemy lines and has to make it back with not one but two crippled comrades. It's not much of a plot, true, but it's handled extremely well thanks to Robert Parrish's direction, which is surprisingly strong, direct and imaginative when called for, but still knows when to be unobtrusive as well. Great last shot too. March 27, 2006

The Purple Plain

I am delighted to have this hard-to-find film! It played like a charm! Thanks for the fine service. October 11, 2005

Self-Redemption in Burma

While Gregory Peck heads the cast, "The Purple Plain" is a British World War II film, produced in 1954 by the J. Arthur Rank Studios (and presumably distributed by MGM). So far reviews seem to fall into two camps--people who love it and people who are unimpressed with it. I find myself somewhere between these two extremes. Unlike at least one other reviewer, I will try not to reveal too much of the plot for first-time viewers.

Mr. Peck plays Squadron Leader Bill Forrester, a Canadian pilot and veteran of the Battle of Britain, now assigned to the Asian theatre of the war, specifically Burma, against the Japanese. Having lost his young wife in the London blitz, Forrester feels he has nothing to live for, and flies his Mosquito missions accordingly. He is reckless, even suicidal, much to the chagrin of his navigator as well as the people on the ground.

The kind Dr. Harris (a "pre-M" Bernard Lee) tries to help Forrester out of his depression by involving him with some of the local Burmese people, including a lovely young woman, Anna (Win Min Than). Forrester becomes captivated with Anna, and slowly regains his self respect and will to live. His survival instincts are soon put to the test. On the next flight, his plane crashes in very harsh, and Japanese-held, territory. Forrester survives the crash along with his young navigator
(Lyndon Brook), who receives nasty burns, and an older scientist, Blore (Maurice Denham). With limited water, and the blazing Burmese sun, the three men face a harsh fate, with a questionable chance of survival. Can Forrester return to the woman who has rekindled his interest in life, and redeem a tattered reputation with his compatriots ?

Mr. Peck delivers a compelling performance--he remains one of the most watchable actors in movies. I should also mention that fine British character actress, Brenda De Banzie--her role is small, but she leaves an indelible impression as Miss McNabb, the indefatigable Scottish missionary.

The full-screen picture exhibits effective colour--the sound is mono--don't look for extras.

"The Purple Plain" may not be one of Gregory Peck's most famous films--nor can it be considered one of the classic films of the fifties. At the same time, I found it an absorbing drama, well-acted by Mr. Peck, Ms. Than and a fine British cast--there is action, romance, suspense and important, universal themes are explored. I am pleased to add this DVD to my collection.

May 25, 2005

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