The Four Feathers [1940] DVD

A classic tale of cowardice and bravery, Alexander Korda's Oscar-nominated adaptation of A.E.W. Mason's iconic adventure novel was a hit with both critics and viewers. With sweeping battle scenes and a tightly constructed script by Oscar-nominated R.C. Sheriff (Goodbye Mr. Chips), this is a bold military epic, with its evocative locations making full use of the then-emergent Technicolor process. A pounding score by Miklos Rozsa (Ben-Hur) complements virtuoso performances by John Clements (Henry V), Ralph Richardson (Things to Come) and C. Aubrey Smith (Rebecca).

Young Harry Faversham, born into a distinguished military family, automatically joins the army with three close childhood friends - Durrance, Willoughby and Burroughs. Feeling that he is unsuited to the life, and newly-engaged to Ethne, he resigns his commission, only to be accused of cowardice by his friends. Each sends him the traditional white feather in contempt; the fourth is plucked from Ethne's fan. Realising the disgrace he has brought to himself and his family, Harry sets out alone to the distant war to redeem himself.

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