Le dernier train du Katanga

This film, which I came to know as "Dark of the Sun" (the better title, as most believe), is one of those compulsively re-watchable pictures year after year. I saw it as a kid but it was later, when I was around 30, when I caught it on a PBS TV station, that I was stunned to realize it is one of my favorite films of all time. I nearly became obsessed with it, recording it for repeat viewing (sometimes 2 days in a row), later buying a quality VHS version, and finally obtaining a widescreen version, a goal of the last half-dozen years. From the first frame, during the credits, when you hear the perfect jazz-influenced score by Jacques Loussier, to the haunting ending, this film draws you in and doesn't let go, inviting you back again & again. I say 'you' but of course I'm speaking of myself; I can't really explain the hold it has on me and what director Cardiff put together that connected so strongly with me. Many familiar with this film call it Rod Taylor's best work and I agree there. He epitomizes the man's man here, tougher, by necessity, than all the other tough guys around him; able to outfight anyone mano-a-mano; and, at the same time, able to command - demanding and keeping the loyalty of his men. Besides the obvious violence & gun-play, throughout are hints and mention of the savagery, the brutality of war, but nothing can or should faze him - until, that is, he loses his best friend. This is something, the one thing, he was unprepared for. And he loses it, he loses all his control, his command of himself and others. It's a fantastic ending. And, like many other scenes, complemented by that fabulous score, it calls me back over & over. Once again, I see that train car break off; again I see it slowly roll back to the waiting bloodthirsty Simbas, all the passengers doomed. I know what will happen, but it demands my attention again, as if in a recurring nightmare. I suppose this may be a great thing about films - sure, they may not ever make them like this again, but you always have these past adventures to savor as many times as you wish. And the films will always give you that same or similar emotional satisfaction you crave.

...about mercenary Curry (Rod Taylor) and his partner Ruffo (Jim Brown). They are both in 1960's The Congo, ready to carry out a mission for Congolese dictator Ubi (Calvin Lockhart). Curry is to get troops together and rescue the residents of Port Reprieve, along with 50 million in diamonds. In the troop he gathers together are an alcoholic doctor (Kenneth More) and a Nazi ex-officer (Peter Carsten). All set out on a makeshift train. On the way, they meet refugee Claire (Yviette Mimieux), whose husband has just been murdered. Complications ensue.

This action film gives little chance for characterization. Taylor is fine, especially before movie takes the turn toward action thriller. You can read his eyes to see what his character is thinking, and he has a way with a sarcastic line. Brown is also good. Mimieux never gets a chance to develop her character; she's basically the sex interest or walking plot device.

For 1968, film is remarkably violent. Don't get too fond of the characters. If you want to look for themes, the film has an interesting one spelled out. Listen to the tales of superstitions, and a character's behavior near the film's end. This is a good action film that gives food for thought and is worth a watch.

Call it "Dark of the Sun" (the better title, I think) or "The Mercenaries"--but under any title this film moves fast. A great example of a guy's type of film where the editing, direction, and storyline all compliment one another in the effort towards a fast-paced action flick. It a raw, gritty, and satisfying action yarn. Rod Taylor is really choice in this role: he was easily in his best shape ever and utterly confident as the hardboiled mercenary leader. Jim Brown is fine as well as his sidekick. The two make a good combination together.

"Dark of the Sun" is also one of the more memorable films involving a train as a locus for the action. Train films have a charisma all their own, in my opinion, and this one is no exception. In this venue, a band of mercenaries utilizes a steam engine to blitz across the border into rebel-held territory. The story is set in South Africa and they been enlisted to to rescue citizens cut off by the revolt and also, to nab some diamonds for themselves, of course.

However, dont think that with this storyline its at all meatless in emotion values, or gratuituous in terms of its violence.

With regard to emotion, there are definitely some nice story elements and a chance for the actors to apply their skill. There are poignant little moments of humanness amid all the tumult. The characters suit, and have been devised (by the author Wilbur Smith) to correctly add balance and measure to the story. Its not all gunfire and explosions. The violence is kept within acceptable, old-school bounds and the focus is on heroism and loyalty rather than sadism.

There is an interesting, thought-provoking subplot to the story that eventually factors into the conclusion of the movie. This thread comes from the fact that one of the mercenaries is an ex-Nazi. As a mercenary, he really "enjoys his work". But his views raise all sorts of disturbing questions about prejudice and hate and "where to draw the line" for Rod Taylor, who, as leader of the mercenaries, has to set an example of ruthlessness. The two develop a vicious enmity and finally go at it 'mano a mano'. The end of the film is a surprise "man learns better" type of ending--but still quite satisfying.

The film overall is a better-than-average-quality product, and definitely a must-see guy-movie; its a 1960's action pic that does a better job of keeping you interested and absorbed than any twenty action pictures made more recently.

Believe it!

This Africa-set picture concerns about some mercenaries (Rod Taylor, Jim Brown and Peter Carsten) hired by a Congo leader (Calvin Lockhart) to retrieve diamonds from a besieged city by the Simbas . As the movie's MacGuffin is a cache of uncut diamonds valued at US $50 million . They risk their lives facing off nasties and rebel warriors ; confronting several dangers and adventures . Besides , they must help out various inhabitants (Ivette Mimieux , Andre Morrell and others) lay siege and only backed by a boozer doctor (Kenneth Moore). Meanwhile , a locomotive travels through a treacherous countryside in Africa taking on a lot of risks .

The movie is based on real events and dealing with a train-in-peril across hostile landscapes . From start to finish the exciting warlike action is nonstop . In the movie there is tension , suspense , emotion , frenetic action and a little bit of violence when the fights happen ; besides , being fast movement , for that reason results to be entertaining . The movie was made and released about three years after its source novel "Dark of the Sun" by Wilbur Smith had been first published in 1965 . The book was Smith's second novel with this film being the first ever screen adaptation of a Wilbur Smith story and being adapted by screen-writer Ranald MacDougall . Based on historical facts ; thus , creating the independence Republic Congo (1960) with Lumumba , though later there took place a state coup by Mobutu Sese Seko . Tshombe proclaimed the Republic Katanga with the supporting of mercenaries , mine companies and European countries . The civil war bursts and causes destruction , starvation , rampage and millions of deaths . In fact , publicity for this picture declared that it was the first major motion picture to examine the Congo Rebellion which is aka the Congo Crisis aka the Congo Uprising .

Rod Taylor as the tough and two-fisted mercenary is top-notch . However , Clint Walker was the early choice for the lead Captain Bruce Curry role which in the end was cast with Rod Taylor . Ivette Mimieux is enticing and marvelous . This movie re-unites Rod Taylor with Yvette Mimieux eight years after they co-starred in 1960's "The Time Machine" . Furthermore , Jim Brown as the loyal and hunk pal is splendid and agreeable appearance by Kenneth Moore as drunken doctor . Special mention for Peter Carsten who interprets a first-rate villain . Original and thrilling Music by Jacques Loussier , including catching leitmotif . Edward Scaife cinematography is colorful and glittering , as it is splendidly reflected on the awesome jungle outdoors . Picture was lavishly produced by George Englund and well directed by Jack Cardiff , famous cameraman who photographed a lot of classic films . Rating : Above average . Very well worthwhile seeing .

DARK OF THE SUN ( As I know it though there`s several different titles for the film ) is the simple stoy of a bunch of mercenaries in 60s Congo liberating a bunch of Europeans ( And more importantly a lot of diamonds ) besieged by the muderous Simba nationalist cult. Throw in a load of cliches like a drunken doctor , a damsal in distress , a nazi war criminal , a redemption sub plot with the hero gaining his humanity , tedious moral dialogue about the future of Africa and several revealing mistakes where the victims of Simba violence are quite clearly stuffed dummies and you might think this is a really bad film . Maybe it is but it`s also good old fashioned entertainment . The battle scenes may have dated somewhat compared to BLACK HAWK DOWN and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN but they still pack a punch especially the editing when the action cuts from the Simba hordes attacking the train to the hero and the banker waiting patiently for the time lock to open the vault where the diamonds are stored. If you liked THE WILD GEESE you`ll like this film too