Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Deserts
- Dan Duryea Films
- Humphrey Bogart Films
- Lloyd Bridges Films
- Rex Ingram Films
- World War II
- Zoltan Korda Films
Review:
Zoltan Korda helmed this WWII-era fighting flick focused on both the need for international cooperation to defeat fascist enemies, and the prime necessity of water — the source of life — above all else. Bogart is suitably grizzly and no-nonsense as Sgt. Joe Gunn (what a name!), whose love of his tank “Lulubelle” is compared to that of a man for his horse.
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Bogart-Tank-1024x745.png)
The situations he and his men encounter — enemy forces both within and without, but first and foremost a constant search for water — are deftly handled, with plenty of tension and close calls:
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Bone-Dry-1024x746.png)
Perhaps most satisfying are the character arcs given to supporting characters Naish and Ingram, who each contribute in a vital way to the survival of the crew while enduring racism and xenophobia.
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Racism-1024x750.png)
Fine location shooting and atmospheric cinematography (by Rudolph Mate) make this an exciting “good show”, and well worth checking out.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Strong performances by the ensemble cast
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Bogart-1024x742.png)
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Ingram-1024x746.png)
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Italian-1024x747.png)
- Rudolph Mate’s cinematography
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Cinematography-Hole-1024x733.png)
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-German-1024x747.png)
- Fine location shooting in the Borego Desert
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Desert-1024x750.png)
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Desert3-1024x744.png)
- The exciting climax
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sahara-Climax-1024x744.png)
Must See?
Yes, once, as an overall good show. Listed as a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary’s book.
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One thought on “Sahara (1943)”
First viewing. Agreed; must-see – compact, compelling, intense; a “good show” indeed!