robertguttman
Considering recent events in Afghanistan (the Taliban) as well as in Syria and Iraq (ISIS), the events in the Sudan in the 1880s are resonate remarkably today. Once again the world finds itself confronted with Muslim fanaticism, and once again, seemingly, the world replies with little more than "gestures".This movie has been appreciated rather less than it deserves, probably due to the presence of Charlton Heston in the lead role. His English accent does leave something to be desired, especially when surrounded by such notable British actors as Richard Johnson, Nigel Green and the great Ralph Richardson. I won't even mention Sir Laurance Olivier in that regard since, in his remarkable performance as The Mahdi, he rendered himself almost unrecognizable.The one indispensable aspect Charlton Heston does bring to this film is his remarkable ability to stand out in an epic scene as few other actors can. When one produces an epic motion picture, the sort filmed on a grand scale with a cast of thousands, it is imperative that the central character should be the sort who can stand out among the multitudes. Few actors have been able to do that the way Charton Heston could. It was no accident that he was repeatedly cast as characters such as Moses, Ben Hur, El Cid, Chinese Gordon, etc.However, in spite of the epic scale and the cast of thousands, "Khartoum" is a battle of wills between three powerful individuals. The first is The Mahdi, a militant Muslim religious fanatic. The second was William Gladstone, the British Prime Minster who tried vainly to keep steer his country away from what he perceived as a disastrous foreign military entanglement in Africa. The third was General Charles "Chinese" Gordon, the unconventional soldier sent, as a gesture, by Gladstone to try to save the situation in the Sudan. It's a compelling story, and one that still resonates today more than ever. After seeing Khartoum, one can only hope that history doesn't repeat itself.
msprouse-7-431049
Now this is a movie! They don't make this type of sweeping epic anymore in this day of computer alterations. There is little not to appreciate in this action packed adventure. After reading a couple books on Charles Gordon, sure I've discovered some blatant errors, including a downplaying of his religious faith. However, you certainly get the feel for Gordon. Remember, if you want a 100% historically accuracy, watch a documentary! Charlton Heston was never better and gives you the charisma of the icon he is portraying. The cinematography is terrific as is the performance of Sir Lawrence Olivier. Some will accuse this of being too imperialistic and not politically correct, but it's 1966! The kicker is the fine script, an abundance of great lines. For example when told he doesn't have a chance at Khartoum, he says "I don't have a choice." Ahhh, Heston just makes it all so believable. Like when the Mahdi's horde is sweeping toward the gates, he states ever so solemnly and in a tone and inflection that far outweigh the mere words, "so here we are."
joel-280
A great romp, camp galore, starring a multi-gorgeous-uniformed, shining young Charlton Heston as Gen Gordon and a walnut-colored Laurence Olivier as his opponent The Mahdi. Stupendous walk-ons of Prime Minister Gladstone and other chin-whiskered VIPs in the House of Commons -- this flick can be enjoyed either high or sober, according to the viewer's taste.One of many high points is Gordon's triumphal entry into Khartoum, which may be where Paul Wolfowitz got his fantasy about how US forces would be welcomed into Baghdad after liberating it from Saddam Hussein. Too bad life did not imitate art in this case. If you want a greatly entertaining epic about paternalistic imperialism (or just over-the-top design of military uniforms), this flick's for you!
thinker1691
The voice of Leo Glenn introduces the grand 1966 film called "Khartoum." This middle Eastern story, recounts the International British problem and later disaster at the desert city of Khartoum where 35,000 plus Egyptian, Sudenese and British allies died at the hands of a power hungry, vain-glorious and delusional desert prophet. In the 1880's a simple man of the desert, a man of the people and a servant of Allah who called himself 'The Mahdi' (Laurance Olivier) called out for a Jihad, or Holy War. Confident the Egyptian authorities would handle him, the British under then Prime Minister, William Gladstone (Sir Ralph Richardson) advocated doing little. However, following the military defeat of the 10,000 man Egyptian Army, commanded by Gen. William Hicks, Gladstone and Lord Granville (Michael Hordern) induce national hero and popular religious champion Gen. Charles Gordon (Charlton Heston) to save the city, but not to involve the British Government. Taking no prepared plan to the besieged city, Gordon, accompanied by his aid Col. J.D.H. Stewart (Richard Johnson) discover the Mahdi's true intention to 'kill every man, woman and child' in the city. They realize they must compel or use political blackmail to force their government into dispatching a relieving British expedition force, as they are convinced the city will fall and the populous will be slaughtered. Time runs out and the Mahdi instructs his army to move to take the city. The majestic scenery, the panoramic field battles and elaborate cultural dialog are but some of the highlights to this enormous and wonderful tale. The actors are believable and the fine film has all the qualities one can expect of a Classic. ****
AD
