Cast
View All
Dennis Price
as Clive Hunter
Jack Hawkins
as Pieter Brandt
Siobhán McKenna
as Anne Hunter
Peter Hammond
as Hendrik van Thaal
Grégoire Aslan
as Dominic
Charles Paton
as Barman
Bernard Lee
as O'Connell
Ronald Adam
as Van Thaal
Martin Boddey
as Chief Engineer
Philip Ray
as 1st Man Restaurant
Walter Horsbrugh
as 2nd Man Restaurant
Cyril Chamberlain
as Waiter
Dido Plumb
as Bar Patron
Crew
Director
- David MacDonald
Producer
- Maxwell Setton
- Aubrey Baring
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Fortune in Diamonds represents a fascinating example of Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director David MacDonald 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 1951, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fortune in Diamonds took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 151 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1951, 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
While Fortune in Diamonds shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Atlantis: The Lost Empire, which focuses more on action than character development, Fortune in Diamonds offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Mad Max and Crocodile Dundee explore similar territory, Fortune in Diamonds stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 7, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 26m
