Sadly, the brothers here (Guy Stockwell as Beau and Doug McClure as John) are secondary in interest when compared to the evil French Legion sergeant (Telly Savalas) who has his eyes on destroying Stockwell even though they are supposed to be on the same side. An evil leader like Savalas doesn't need a motive outside the abuse of power, at one point having four of his men (including Stockwell) marching blindfolded back and forth near a high cliff, pulling others back as he temptingly has Stockwell closer and closer to the edge than the others, basically Javert in the desert.
With Leslie Nielsen as Savalas's commanding officer, too cowardly to stop him even though on the surface he's desperately trying, and Robert Wolders as Savalas's spy, snitching on Stockwell any opportunity he comes across, this action packed remake is colorful and tightly edited, quite different than the 1939 Gary Cooper remake. It's perfect Saturday matinee material, old fashioned in spirit, but quite cinematic in appearance. Savalas sneers deliciously, twirling his mustache metaphorically even though he's clean shaven. Grabs the viewer and never lets go.
With Leslie Nielsen as Savalas's commanding officer, too cowardly to stop him even though on the surface he's desperately trying, and Robert Wolders as Savalas's spy, snitching on Stockwell any opportunity he comes across, this action packed remake is colorful and tightly edited, quite different than the 1939 Gary Cooper remake. It's perfect Saturday matinee material, old fashioned in spirit, but quite cinematic in appearance. Savalas sneers deliciously, twirling his mustache metaphorically even though he's clean shaven. Grabs the viewer and never lets go.