Though Rudyard Kipling’s poem Gunga Din is a powerful recital piece, the plot is minimal. The film adaptation by RKO producer Pandro S. Berman turned it into an A-budgeted feature. The story follows three British sergeants in colonial India: Cutter, McChesney, and Ballantine.
The trio is at odds, with Ballantine planning to marry and leave the army. The sergeants face challenges from a native revolt by the Thuggees led by a Napoleonic Guru. In a twist, humble water carrier Gunga Din emerges as a hero. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., with direction by George Stevens.
Gunga Din is a blend of action, adventure, romance, and literature. With influences from renowned writers like Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the screenplay also credits Joel Sayre, Fred Guiol, and even William Faulkner in an uncredited role. The film’s 118-minute runtime captivates audiences with its thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of colonial India.
