Review of Kings Go Forth

Introduction

Films are often a great way to make social comment, to open people`s eyes to the injustices and inequities around them. Occasionally a softly spoken and obliquely delivered message can be more effective than a riot. Unfortunately for the films in question, society isn`t static. Once the lesson has been learned and society has moved on, the film becomes instantly dated. It then becomes an intellectual curiosity, and if lucky just a matter of entertainment. Kings Go Forth is one of those films.

It`s World War II and the German forces are on the back foot. It`s after D-Day and the conquering American forces are busy liberating France. Among them is Lieutenant Sam Loggins` unit working their way through the south of France. The wearing fighting takes a toll of attrition and they pause to take on replacements. Among them is a confident young radio operator called Britt Harris, who instantly rubs Loggins up the wrong way by disobeying orders and being heroic. Despite getting off on the wrong foot, the two of them form a grudging friendship under fire. The constant fighting takes an emotional toll on the unit, and they are soon given R&R at the newly liberated French Riviera. One weekend, Sam meets a young ex-pat American, Monique Blair and he is instantly smitten. Despite her initial reluctance, they begin to get closer. That is until she meets Britt, with whom she falls madly in love. Despite his feelings Sam tries to be supportive, but Monique`s background proves difficult to reconcile, as her father was black.

Video

Kings Go Forth comes in a 4:3 monochrome transfer that is certainly acceptable. The picture is clear and sharp throughout, and while nighttime scenes may seem a little indistinct, this is no less so than other B&W film of the era. The scenery of the French Riviera comes across well, despite the lack of colour or scope; indeed the only problem is a hint of print damage.

Audio

The usual MGM back catalogue disc comes with the usual Euro flavour of soundtracks. It`s DD 2.0 mono in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, with the dialogue clear throughout. Elmer Bernstein composed the music, though you`ll be hard pressed to tell.

Features

A quaint trailer with Frank Sinatra talking to camera, going through a library of books that have been adapted into his films. A cornucopia of subtitles abound.

Conclusion

Kings Go Forth has dated awfully in the intervening years since 1958. In today`s world of political correctness and supposed colour-blindness, Kings Go Forth seems remarkably old-fashioned and twee. Unfortunately, it`s not because we have become suddenly enlightened as a society, though race is no longer the barrier it was even 10 years ago, but it`s just as an audience we know that the issues that divide society are far more complex, and forgive me, not as black and white as portrayed in this melodrama.

In many ways, this film is laughable despite its claim to address the issue of interracial relationships. Natalie Wood plays the role of the mixed-heritage Monique; indeed there is no sight of any person of colour in this film. The photograph of her deceased father never appears on screen. For a film attempting to duck an issue it aims to highlight is a little schizophrenic. But in the context of 1950s America, the reticence becomes understandable. 10 years later a kiss between Captain Kirk and Uhura on Star Trek would spark riots that would claim lives in America`s South. Even today, progressive Hollywood must keep one eye on the conservative elements in its audience, and on screen relationships are more often than not, heterosexual and are of the same ethnicity.

However the film itself is enjoyable enough, if a little unfulfilling. The emotional turmoil of the triangle of characters is interwoven with the tension of the front lines, and this is enough to maintain interest for two hours, though the drama and action would seem remarkably tame today. When it comes to the message itself, not only is it dated and hardly relevant, it`s also laid on with a high handed and self-righteous attitude than isn`t at all thought provoking, and more of a sermon. Frank Sinatra gives a solid performance as Sam Loggins, as does Natalie Wood, but it is of interest to see Tony Curtis playing against type as the wholly detestable Britt Harris. Kings Go Forth will pass a couple of hours, but its message has lost meaning in the intervening years and its unsubtle approach makes it a poor source of entertainment.