Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Re-envisioning George Stevens' classic "Gunga Din" as a western seems like an obvious choice for director John Sturges, whose classic "The Magnificent Seven" of two years before was a similar transposition of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai." The geographic switch not only renders the story more accessible to American audiences, but provides for a more credulous (if historically inaccurate) set of villains (the Lakota Ghost Dancers). More importantly the change of setting allows for a more direct commentary on race relations the United States, which is unfortunately softened in its impact due to the story's compromised ending.It's clear, though never directly stated, that Sergeant Merry's (Frank Sinatra's) refusal to allow ex-slave Jonah Williams to join his troop (even as a civilian stable boy) is due to the segregated military policies of the time. Had the film held to the original scenario, wherein Williams/Din sacrifices his life in preventing a massacre of the troops his is arbitrarily barred from being a member of, the film might be held in greater critical esteem. Williams' martyrdom would also have raised the film, like its original, to the level of a socio-serio tragi- -comedy.The happy ending fails on several levels, since the "resurrection" of Jonah Williams after having received a spear wound to his midsection, and an arrow to his shoulder places a strain on credibility, and his subsequent induction into the military racially integrates the U.S. Military roughly 75 years prior to its historical counterpart. This fairytale desegregation in turn negates any social statements the film had hinted at prior to that point in the narrative; effectively blunting the film's message and turning it into a harmless, throwaway western comedy-adventure.Even so, the end result remains an enjoyable two hours' entertainment. Sturges' direction provides from some exciting action sequences, and plenty of breathtaking Panavision vistas filmed in Bryce Canyon. One memorable touch is the offscreen death of the telegraph operator in the film's opening scene: Sturges cuts from a shot of the Indians slowly advancing toward the operator to a shot of the telegraph operator on the receiving end as the message suddenly cuts off. Sinatra, Davis, Dean Martin, and even Peter Lawford turn in strong performances. Joey Bishop also does a good job with his more limited role as the group's comic foil.

Praise the Gods and Ted Turner! This rarest of the Rat Pack Movies is now being periodically carried on the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel during tributes to Old Blue Eyes. The DVD was set up and now I can enjoy this any time I want.I have not seen this movie since its original release at the beginning of the 60's. Since movies can't change in the can, I guess I have. Or at least my view of the world. Back then I laughed like hell at Davis' wondering-out-loud on how they got the skin off the skulls without taking the headbands off, but now I wince at the stereotype of the uneducated Negro.Also, back then, the Western was king on TV (Maverick, Cheyenne, The Restless Gun, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rebel, The Virginian, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, et al) as was military stuff (Combat!, The Gallant Men, The Blue Angels, Wackiest Ship In The Army, McHales navy, etc) so as a young lad this was the best of both worlds, a Military Western. Funny, too.But world-weary vision aside, it's still a classic Rat Packer and very enjoyable. Sinatra actually does some acting, and this is probably one of Dino's best jobs short of The Young Lions.

I never miss Gunga Din when it is on TV. It is a great story. When I was young, the Rat Pack remake was my favorite film, period. That this classic is not available in DVD or Video isn't fair. I want to show young kids this movie. I want to show ME this movie. Can't something be done?

Why oh why can I not get a copy of this film? I can remember seeing it at the cinema many years ago. As has previously been stated, not one of the Rat Pack's best, but a very entertaining film. I can still recall many of the scenes, especially when Peter Lawford was climbing on the roof to put dynamite down a chimney and the scene when Sammy Davis Jr was buried up to his neck in the sand. As with all the Rat Pack movies, the humour is always bubbling, just beneath the surface. I would love to have my own VHS copy. Please, please does anyone know if there is one available anywhere?