Great Films of 1939: “The Four Feathers” May 14 at Daystar Center

Great films of 1939: The Four Feathers
Where: The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State Street, Chicago, IL
When: May 14, 2016
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Hosted by Stephen Reginald

The Four Feathers (1939) was the third movie version of the A. E. W. Mason novel and considered the best of the bunch. Produced by Alexander Korda and directed by brother Zoltan, The Four Feathers is an epic production, filmed in Technicolor when the process was still a bit of a novelty. Like Gunga Din (1939), it portrays the British Empire, during the late 19th century. As an adventure and melodrama, The Four Feathers is hard to beat.

The plot revolves around Harry Faversham’s decision not to follow in the family tradition of serving in the army. He very dramatically resigns his post on the eve of his regiment’s journey to the Sudan. Their mission: To recapture Khartoum, the capital and second largest city in Sudan. Branded a coward by friends —the white feathers given to Harry by his comrades are emblems of cowardice—, and his fiancée played by the lovely June Duprez. As a result, Harry becomes a tormented soul.

In an attempt at redemption, he disguises himself as an Arab to rescue his friends, who are imprisoned by Egyptian rebels, and prove that he isn’t a coward. A good story supported by a superior production, The Four Feathers holds up remarkably well. The on-location color cinematography is remarkable. The spectacle of the battle scenes, combined with the dazzling red uniforms of the British soldiers, make for a powerful epic. The New York Times was impressed with the film, calling it “explosively cinematic” and overwhelmed by the “sheer weight of size and width of camera field.”

C. Aubrey Smith, John Clements, and June Duprez

The all-British cast includes John Clements, Ralph Richardson, C. Aubrey Smith, and June Duprez.

Part of the “Great movies of 1939” series. Discover some of the greatest movies from Hollywood’s most famous year.

Have some Joe and Enjoy the Show!

Before the movie, grab a cup of coffee from Overflow Coffee Bar, located within the Daystar Center. You can bring food and beverages into the auditorium; we even have small tables set up next to some of the seats. General Admission: $5 Students and Senior Citizens: $3.

Join the Chicago Film club; join the discussion

Twice a month we screen classic films and have a brief discussion afterward. For more information, including how to join (it’s free), click here. The Venue 1550 is easily accessible by the CTA. Please visit Transit Chicago for more information on transportation options.

Stephen Reginald is a freelance writer and editor. He has worked at various positions within the publishing industry for over 25 years. Most recently he was executive editor for McGraw-Hill’s The Learning Group Division. A long-time amateur student of film, Reginald hosts “Chicago Film Club,” a monthly movie event held in the South Loop, for the past two years. Reginald has also taught several adult education film classes at Facets Film School, Chicago.

Daystar Center located at 1550 S. State St. works through a grassroots network of collaborations and partnerships with individuals and other nonprofit organizations. Through this web, they’re able to provide educational, cultural, and civic activities that enrich and empower their clients, guests, and community members. To learn more about classes and events offered at the Daystar Center, please visit their Web site.