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The Royal African Rifles

The Royal African Rifles (1953)

Dec 26, 1953 1h 15m Adventure

A shipment of Vickers machine guns is stolen from a British warship in Bombasa Harbor, Africa, in 1914, and Denham is assigned to track them down. He poses as a hunter and follows a trail that leads him to Cunningham, a trader, who intends to sell the rifles to the Germans, and whose daughter, Jennifer, Denham loves.

Directed by Lesley Selander

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lesley Selander

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Thematic Analysis

The Royal African Rifles represents a fascinating example of Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Lesley Selander brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Royal African Rifles took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 103 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 222 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1953, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: December 26, 1953
  • Runtime: 1h 15m

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