This film dramatizes a significant historical event for the still young United States, in which the US Navy and marines, along with a small army of Egyptian Arabs and Greeks banded together for a combined assault on the Libyan port of Derma, in 1805. This marked the virtual end of the first Barbary pirate war, in which North Africans were taking over American trade ships, taking the cargo and holding the crew as captives for ransom.
Lt. O'Bannon(John Payne),"General" Eaton(Herbert Heyes) and exiled former pasha of Libya, Hamet Karamanly(Phillip Reed)retain their historic names. French countess Sheila D'Arneau(Maureen O'Hara)is purely fictional, if a welcomed complication.
The land forces did march about 600 miles through Egyptian and Libyan desert, although historically, they began at Alexandria instead of farther up the Nile, as portrayed. During this trip, various hazards, such as sandstorms, unsure water sources, poisoned wells and bickering between the various ethnic groups are portrayed. Hamet is portrayed as accompanying the ragtag army, which provides an excuse for including dancing girls and the countess on the trip. Before beginning the trip, there is an agreement that the Americans will back the reestablishment of Hamet as pasha, if he helps recruit mercenary Arabs for the army. However, during the march, agents of his brother, Yusuf, the ruling pasha, infiltrate the army and bring an offer of sharing the rule of Libya 50-50,if Hamet will renege on the support of the Americans. He agrees to this change of plans(very risky), remarking that "Two allies are better than one, especially if they oppose each other" He learns the detailed plans of the combined army-navy assault, and passes this on to Yusuf's agents. In turn, the countess learns of Hamet's treachery, and rides to warn O'Bannon. Yusuf modifies his defenses to conform with the American's plans. In turn, O'Bannon warns the naval ships of Yusuf's move, by semaphore. Later, after he sees the success of the attack, Hamet changes his mind again, and supports the Americans, whom he hopes will win him the entire kingdom of Libya. Historically, although the Americans took Derma, Hamet never got reinstated. The countess supported Hamet's politics, until he turned traitor to the Americans. Then, she switched her allegiance to the Americans. Through most of the film, she hated O'Bannon, who had insulted her a number of times. Interestingly, when they were hiding behind a small sand dune, they alternatively fought verbally and physically,and kissed. Toward the end, she inexplicably changed her loyalty to O'Bannon, and stuck with it through the battle.
During the land battle, O'Bannon led a small group of commandos over the city wall, creating havoc inside, especially in the royal palace. O'Bannon was nearly killed in the collapsing buildings during the naval bombardment. The way he beat off the interfering Arabs outside and inside the palace reminded me of John Wayne at the Alamo, or Errol Flynn as Robin Hood: cartoonish. Historically, it's reported that O'Bannon fought bravely.
Incidentally, the Americans never did take Tripoli in this war, which is where Yusuf actually was. It was considered too well defended to take without considerably more investment in ships and army personnel. Yusuf actually sent reinforcements to Derma, that arrived too late to prevent its fall, but these troops nearly recaptured the city.
All in all, not a bad viewing experience, with a mix of negotiating, action, humor, and flag waving, in a reasonably historically accurate portrayal. As expected, Maureen was a definite plus, both on her own, and in her confrontations with Payne.
Available at YouTube.
Lt. O'Bannon(John Payne),"General" Eaton(Herbert Heyes) and exiled former pasha of Libya, Hamet Karamanly(Phillip Reed)retain their historic names. French countess Sheila D'Arneau(Maureen O'Hara)is purely fictional, if a welcomed complication.
The land forces did march about 600 miles through Egyptian and Libyan desert, although historically, they began at Alexandria instead of farther up the Nile, as portrayed. During this trip, various hazards, such as sandstorms, unsure water sources, poisoned wells and bickering between the various ethnic groups are portrayed. Hamet is portrayed as accompanying the ragtag army, which provides an excuse for including dancing girls and the countess on the trip. Before beginning the trip, there is an agreement that the Americans will back the reestablishment of Hamet as pasha, if he helps recruit mercenary Arabs for the army. However, during the march, agents of his brother, Yusuf, the ruling pasha, infiltrate the army and bring an offer of sharing the rule of Libya 50-50,if Hamet will renege on the support of the Americans. He agrees to this change of plans(very risky), remarking that "Two allies are better than one, especially if they oppose each other" He learns the detailed plans of the combined army-navy assault, and passes this on to Yusuf's agents. In turn, the countess learns of Hamet's treachery, and rides to warn O'Bannon. Yusuf modifies his defenses to conform with the American's plans. In turn, O'Bannon warns the naval ships of Yusuf's move, by semaphore. Later, after he sees the success of the attack, Hamet changes his mind again, and supports the Americans, whom he hopes will win him the entire kingdom of Libya. Historically, although the Americans took Derma, Hamet never got reinstated. The countess supported Hamet's politics, until he turned traitor to the Americans. Then, she switched her allegiance to the Americans. Through most of the film, she hated O'Bannon, who had insulted her a number of times. Interestingly, when they were hiding behind a small sand dune, they alternatively fought verbally and physically,and kissed. Toward the end, she inexplicably changed her loyalty to O'Bannon, and stuck with it through the battle.
During the land battle, O'Bannon led a small group of commandos over the city wall, creating havoc inside, especially in the royal palace. O'Bannon was nearly killed in the collapsing buildings during the naval bombardment. The way he beat off the interfering Arabs outside and inside the palace reminded me of John Wayne at the Alamo, or Errol Flynn as Robin Hood: cartoonish. Historically, it's reported that O'Bannon fought bravely.
Incidentally, the Americans never did take Tripoli in this war, which is where Yusuf actually was. It was considered too well defended to take without considerably more investment in ships and army personnel. Yusuf actually sent reinforcements to Derma, that arrived too late to prevent its fall, but these troops nearly recaptured the city.
All in all, not a bad viewing experience, with a mix of negotiating, action, humor, and flag waving, in a reasonably historically accurate portrayal. As expected, Maureen was a definite plus, both on her own, and in her confrontations with Payne.
Available at YouTube.