Cast
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Denise Darcel
as Suzanne Roget aka The Flame
Patric Knowles
as Capt. Keith Lambert
Paul Cavanagh
as Lord Robert Clive
Gregory Gaye
as Amir Khasid
George Keymas
as Prince Jehan
Joseph Mell
as Jowal
Ted Thorpe
as Rana Singh
Leonard Penn
as Nadir
Edward Clark
as Pandit Bandar
Sujata Rubener
as Exotic Dancer
Asoka Rubener
as Exotic Dancer
Baynes Barron
as Prince's Messenger
Eddie Foster
as Remir (uncredited)
Leonard P. Geer
as Jehan Man / Flame Man (uncredited)
Sol Gorss
as Jehan Man / Soldier (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Seymour Friedman
Producer
- Sam Katzman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Flame of Calcutta represents a fascinating example of History/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 Seymour Friedman 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 Flame of Calcutta took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 99 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 406 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Flame of Calcutta shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Charlie's Angels, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Flame of Calcutta subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Samrat Prithviraj and Aśoka explore similar territory, Flame of Calcutta stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: July 20, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 9m
