This richly photographed historical epic is saved from utter boredom and vacuity by its massive all-star cast and a generous budget. Heston is more impressive than usual in this colorful pageant with his authoritative portrayal of that mystical British general, Sir Charles "Chinese" Gordon,
who was killed on January 26, 1885, by fanatical Sudanese tribesmen under the leadership of a religious zealot after they overran Khartoum following a 317-day siege. Gordon, a paradoxical creature, was both realist and idealist, and Heston somehow captures his elusive enigmatic qualities.
Colonel Hicks (Edward Underdown) and the 8,000 untrained Egyptian troops under his command are lured from the El Dueim River and into the desert 100 miles beyond Khartoum. The British-led troops are ambushed by 80,000 fierce Sudanese warriors commanded by the Mahdi and massacred. British Prime
Minister Gladstone (Richardson) learns that the Mahdi (Olivier)--"the chosen one"--is fighting a holy war, a jihad, intent upon getting rid of all infidels in the Sudan and taking the great city of Khartoum to prove his power and divine mission. Gordon is sent to try to make peace with the zealot
while also finding a way of evacuating the Egyptian army. As he journeys toward Khartoum, he learns that he is no longer respected as a great leader; the natives have shifted their allegiance to the Mahdi. However when he arrives in Khartoum, the terrified populace receives him as a savior.
Olivier is convincing and frightening. Richardson offers his customary expert performance as Gladstone, infusing the part with cynical amusement. Also outstanding is Johnson as Heston's loyal-unto-death aide and Sekka as Heston's fearless servant. KHARTOUM's vivid color photography is outstanding
and the action sequences are visually spectacular due the credit for them is due to Yakima Canutt, the legendary former stuntman turned second unit director, who directed them. leave a comment
