A classic film in all regards is a vehicle for Gary Cooper, but it’s Brian Donlevy’s sadistic sergeant who stands out. The film had only been available as part of a Cooper box set but is given solo treatment for Universal’s Backlot Collection. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean that there are special features included.
The Geste brothers, “Beau” (Gary Cooper), John (Ray Milland), and Digby (Robert Preston), have lived with Lady Brandon (Heather Thatcher) and her ward Isobel (Susan Hayward) since their childhood. The Brandon family has possession of the gem called the blue water, but the irresponsible head-of-family Sir Hector Brandon has been spending money like it was water.
Word comes that Sir Hector is returning home to sell off the gem to pay for his massive debts. When the household finds out that the gem is about to be sold off, Beau suggests that they pull it out of the vault and look at it one last time. As they admire it the lights go out and when they’re turned back on the gem is missing. No one will confess to the crime, but Lady Brandon says the gem box will remain on the table and the guilty party can return it by morning with no questions asked.
In the night, Digby finds John to tell him that Beau has left England to join the French Foreign Legion. Digby tells John that he’s following him. John has romantic notions towards Isobel so he’s torn but eventually joins his brothers in the Legion. The brothers come to the attention of the rat-like thief Rasinoff (J. Carrol Naish) who tries to search Beau in his sleep.
When he’s caught he’s brought before the vile Sgt. Markoff (Brian Donlevy) who learns of the existence of the gem and that Rasinoff thinks that Beau has possession of it. The two scheme to get the jewel for themselves. Markoff sends Digby to another regiment to separate the brothers, but when Arabs attack the fort the gem is forgotten as the fight for survival begins or does the scheming dog Markoff have other plans?
Beau Geste is based on the novel by P.C. Wren and this 1939 version would be mainly known as a vehicle for Gary Cooper and overshadows its 1926 predecessor. However, it’s Brian Donlevy’s mad performance as the evil, grinning Markoff. It would garner Donlevy a nomination for best supporting actor.
Also look for Donald O’Conner as the young Beau. The film is partially a mystery but the “who” of the stealing of the blue water takes a backseat to the fine portrayals and the thrill of who will survive the attack on the fort. There’s also Donlevy’s mad plan of making the fort look as if it’s still fully manned with the fallen.
It’s a shocking image when the other Legionnaires come upon the fort at the beginning of the film. The end is already known since the movie begins with the fort having suffered the attack and the fuller story of the gem and the Gestes being one long flashback.
Beau Geste had only been available as part of The Gary Cooper Collection released in 2005. The title is now highlighted as part of the Universal Backlot Series for those that didn’t want to buy the set (though if you’re a fan of Coop you’ll already have it in your collection).
Beau Geste is presented in fullscreen. I had high hopes that the Backlot Series would garner some special features but all that Beau gets is a trailer. It would seem that the economy only garners one title getting special features (Lonely are the Brave) and the others either getting a trailer (Geste) or nothing (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and Trail of the Lonesome Pine). The film is a proper classic, but I still would’ve liked some retrospective special features.
Beau Geste is a classic and Coop at his best. He’s nearly upstaged by Brian Donlevy in a ferocious performance though. Those who don’t have the other set can purchase Geste separately now, but I wish some more attention would’ve been given to this wonderful film (if anything a digital restoration would’ve been most welcome).
Beau Geste is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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