It's the good doctor fighting for what's right as opposed to loyalty to his fellow countrymen, the British in control of rubber plants in Malaya in spite of the fact that Malaya has just achieved its own independence. Peter Finch, who appeared in many movies with exotic settings, is desperate to aide the people of Malaya in their desire to build their own rice fields, finding obstacles in the presence of rubber plant owner Michael Horden who is determined to control all the industry in the area which leads to rebellion. If that isn't enough for Finch to deal with before he becomes as mad as hell and can't take it anymore, he also has to face the return of his estranged wife Mary Ure who wants him back, but on her own terms, which seems to indicate the desire to get him away from his practice and his desire to help the struggling native Malayans rather focus on their marriage.
As usual in these exotic films, there's a feisty native little boy who's latched on to the leading white character, adding comedy and pathos, and stealing every scene that he's in. There's no exotic jungle setting or wildlife, just the political upheaval erupting because of the control of outsiders taking away the natives rights and freedom to live their way. Finch and Ure give good performances, and Horden is a great heavy, with additional memorable performances by Robert Flemyng and Grégoire Aslan, playing a very smarmy character. The colorful photography is a benefit, but the pacing is sadly slow and the story not really strong. It's certainly watchable, but far from a British classic in spite of the talent involved, including the legendary director Ronald Neame.
As usual in these exotic films, there's a feisty native little boy who's latched on to the leading white character, adding comedy and pathos, and stealing every scene that he's in. There's no exotic jungle setting or wildlife, just the political upheaval erupting because of the control of outsiders taking away the natives rights and freedom to live their way. Finch and Ure give good performances, and Horden is a great heavy, with additional memorable performances by Robert Flemyng and Grégoire Aslan, playing a very smarmy character. The colorful photography is a benefit, but the pacing is sadly slow and the story not really strong. It's certainly watchable, but far from a British classic in spite of the talent involved, including the legendary director Ronald Neame.