In 1951, Charles Vidor directed a film called "Rage of the Vulture" at Paramount. Set in the first days of Indian independence (1947), the Jo Swerling screenplay (adapted by George Tabori and Frederick Hazlitt Brennan from the novel by Alan Moorehead) tells the story of a gun-runner (Alan Ladd), a blind Englishwoman (Deborah Kerr), a French adventuress (Corinne Calvet), a pacifist statesman (Charles Boyer) and a group of English residents (Cecil Kellaway, John Williams et al), who are cut off from civilization by hostile tribesmen. This film was shelved for over a year in the hope that political events in India might make fora welcome a load of free publicity. But as nothing newsworthy actually occurred -- or even seemed likely to occur within in the near future -- the picture was eventually released as Thunder in the East in January, 1953.As expected, the movie failed to attract picture-goers, even though Alan Ladd was about to enter a period of super-stardom.

"Thunder in the East" is a very rare film for Hollywood, as it concerns the turbulent time just after the British surrender of India in 1947. While the film never really explores the depth of the sectarian violence of the time (the northern part of India and East and West Pakistan became a bloodbath), it does talk about one small region in the north where the violence is headed--though the film fictionalizes this place and never discusses the religious divisions between Muslims and Hindus that led to the violence. But, at least it does discuss it--something oddly ignored in American films since an estimated 500,000 (or more--some estimates are much higher) were killed during this period. The transition from British to home rule was NOT a simple or bloodless process.The film begins with a pilot (Alan Ladd in his typical tough-guy role) landing in Ghandahar. He's not there on a mission of mercy--but to sell arms to the local government so they can beat off an anticipated attack by rebels. But, oddly, they are not particularly interested in the weapons and Ladd's quest for riches is frustrated. When he instead hopes to make money charging the Brits to leave in his plane, this plan also backfires and his plane is destroyed. What's to come of him, the locals and the British nationals? The film suffers from one huge problem as you watch---the Indian characters are NOT played by Indians but westerners (such as Charles Boyer and John Abbott). Now I understand that Hollywood did not have tons of Indians (the Asian type) readily available but couldn't they have used the ones they DID have available (such as Sabu) or imported some for the picture? This sort of silly ethnic casting was the norm at the time but seriously hurts the overall product. To me, it makes the film seem patronizing and false.Now if you can ignore this, how is the film otherwise? Is it entertaining? Well, it is...but Ladd pretty much plays the same grumbly, mercenary guy he played in most of his films. This guy in "Thunder in the East" is no Shane--just the usual grumpus who seems eternally perturbed and unable to smile. For Ladd fans (like myself), it is certainly a case of déjà vu despite the unusual setting--even with the romance between him and Deborah Kerr and his change of heart later in the film. Other folks NOT so familiar with Ladd would probably not notice this and would probably get more out of his somewhat stereotypical performance. The film is a decent drama nonetheless...and slightly better than just a time-passer--not that this is a glowing endorsement.By the way, during the 'payoff scene' (where Ladd decks a man), watch carefully. While the guy is NOT supposed to know that he's about to be slugged, you can clearly see the actor reacting BEFORE Ladd even delivers the punch! This shot should have been redone and is rather funny to see...but watch close! For a similar but even funnier mistake, see "North By Northwest" and pay close attention to the scene in the lodge near Mount Rushmore. A man is, completely unexpectedly, shot...yet an extra (some kid) has his fingers in his ears in anticipation of the gun firing!! I love seeing these sorts of goofs! And, by the way, in another Ladd film (the much better "Appointment With Danger"), Ladd also decks another guy (Jack Webb) in a similar fashion and the scene was done perfectly.

I guess the 1952 audience was certainly not satisfied with the ending,which abruptly comes as the heroes are still in action. Ending a movie like that was not obvious at the time.The biggest flaw is French actor Charles Boyer,ridiculously made up as a Hindu.This character,a Gandhi disciple, puts forward wisdom,prayers,peace and love to cowardice and reactionary mind (the English) greed(Alan Ladd's character) , violence (his brothers ,the rebels),and complete irresponsibility (the caricature of a maharajah).He's the only positive character of the story along with the minister and his blind niece (Kerr).It's absolutely impossible to believe Boyer is an Indian ,mainly if you've seen him as a French lover!Besides,he finally demonstrates the opposite of what he stood up for . Ladd's evolution is predictable,from a greedy businessman to a hero (thanks to the blind girl of course).One should notice that Deborah Kerr is too great an actress to play such a poor part that would be suitable for a B movie starlet.Her intellectual playing does not match with down-to-earth Alan Ladd.The movie also suffers from a shoestring budget.Take George Cukor's "Bhowani junction"(1956) instead.

Thunder in the East is set in 1947 India ,immediately after being granted independence by Britain ,and in particular events are centred on the state of Ghandahar which is being menaced by brigands,well armed and with a political agenda. The Maharajah of the state is a dilettante playboy ,and his main adviser,played by a blacked up Charles Boyer,is a pacifist who will not countenance using force to resist the incursions of the brigands. Thus when arms entrepreneur Alan Ladd seeks to sell him guns and munitions to resist the enemies of the state he refuses and impounds the cargo.Ladd's existence is further complicated by his falling in love with Deborah Kerr,a blind British woman .who is caught up in the fate of the British community which is particularly under threat from the rebels. Things build to a final siege of the main hotel where the British dig in to resist Performances are okay although white actors blacked up now seems embarrassing ,and there is a touch of Casablanca about the storyline -cynical hero falling in love with an idealistic woman;contending political forces and a smarmy villain.Its nowhere near as good since script and cast are inferior .Not bad but too stolid to be exceptional.