The Lost Patrol

No, 'The Lost Patrol' is actually not as bad as that review summary (me trying to think of a summary that wasn't too generic or overused as others) made it sound. It has divided viewers and critics and it is not hard at all to see why. There was a lot of potential here, one of golden age cinema's best, more consistent and most influential directors in John Ford, an interesting idea for a story, music from Max Steiner and a talented cast (especially love Boris Karloff, a horror film icon).

'The Lost Patrol' really isn't one of Ford's best and it is actually one of my least favourite earlier efforts of his and a lesser effort of his overall to me. It does contain some of the best work of some of those involved, while others do not come over well which will be elaborated upon below. Is 'The Lost Patrol' bad? Absolutely not. It takes a lot for me to call any film of Ford's bad and this is no exception. The execution though was disappointing and very flawed.

Shall start with the good things. 'The Lost Patrol' looks great, some obvious rear projection aside on occasion. The photography is very beautiful and atmospheric and the scenery is typically quite majestic. Steiner's score has gotten mixed reviews here, for me it was lushly orchestrated (not surprising as it is Steiner), sweeping and deliciously exotic but can see why others found it intrusive and not always original (personally found the referencing affectionate and effective). There are signs of Ford's directorial brilliance, the more action oriented scenes are powerful and rouse.

Acting is generally not bad with one glaring exception. Victor McLaglen gives a ferocious and commanding performance in the lead role and Reginald Denny is just as excellent. Wallace Ford also excels in a type of role that he was always comfortable in.

Unfortunately, Karloff gives a rare bad performance in a truly bizarre part that was like watching an uncomfortably strange cartoon. His outrageously exaggerated acting is really at odds with everything else. Really appreciated that the film really did take time to try to make the characters meaty but this takes up too much of the cartoon and only McLaglen's character has much meat or felt realistic, the others felt like stereotypes and not always sensitive ones. The script has some thoughtful and intriguing moments but suffers from too much long-winded talk.

Furthermore, the story never properly comes to life, sometimes uneventful, and is a tonal muddle. Indicative of trying to do too many things and it was not clear what the film was trying to be. There is not enough suspense, very little is realistic here and the comedic moments jar and come over as odd.

In conclusion, a tricky one to rate and review and just didn't gel for me. All personal opinion. 5/10