Director Allan Dwan evidently had a good work ethic, with over 400 screen credits to his name! On reviewing those credits, nothing really jumps out and impresses you. The same can be said for this biopic; workmanlike and though it has its moments, not particularly engaging. Leading man, Tyrone Power is likeable but lacks a certain je ne sais quoi, perhaps charisma? The film suggests the sweep of history when we are introduced to the likes of Napoleon III, Disraeli, Victor Hugo and Franz Liszt but doesn't offer much dimension in the person of Ferdinand De Lesseps, who's brainchild the Suez Canal was. And the script is to blame here as much as Power. His 'love' interests are portrayed by Loretta Young and Annabella and there is more chemistry between him and the latter, undoubtedly due to their marriage in real life. But she also brings a sensual cheekiness and a zest to her role and we miss her after her demise, which makes her voiceover at the end of the picture even more poignant. For my money, she steals the show. The other major plus point is the special effects, particularly in the devil wind that wreaks havoc amongst the protagonist and his workers and nearly scuppers the plans for the titular canal. The supporting cast has a number of major character names of the period such as Nigel Bruce, Henry Stephenson and George Zucco but they are given little opportunity or material with which to shine. Faring slightly better are Sig Ruman in an amusing turn as an army sergeant trying to keep his greying hair under control with dye and Miles Mander as the foxy, aforementioned Disraeli.
Review of Suez
