The Four Feathers (1939)

The Four Feathers (1939)

The Four Feathers is a 1939 feature film adaptation of A. E. W. Mason's 1902 novel of the same name. The film starred John Clements, Ralph Richardson, C. Aubrey Smith and June Duprez. The production involved all three Korda brothers, Alexander as the producer, Zoltan as director, and Vincent in design. While it was the fourth of what would eventually be seven adaptations of The Four Feathers, the 1939 production is considered the definitive version. It was the only production to actually film in what was then Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and many of the scenes were recycled for a 1955 low-budget shot-for-shot remake, Storm Over the Nile, which was directed by Terrance Young (later famous for his James Bond movies) and produced by Zoltan Korda. Footage from the 1939 version were also reused for a 1977 television adaptation and the 1964 film East of Sudan.

The following weapons were used in the film The Four Feathers:

Handguns

Webley Mk V

The only handgun seen in the film is a Webley Mk V. Harry Faversham (John Clements) is seem with what is probably his former service weapon, while Captain John Durrance (Ralph Richardson) is seen using his in battle.

Webley MK. V - .455 Webley

Harry Faversham next to his Webley.

Dr. Sutton (Frederick Culley) with Faversham's Webley.

Captain Durrance with his Webley drawn in battle.

Durrance prepares to kill himself as a disguised Faversham rushes in to stop him.

Durrance and Faversham struggle for the weapon.

Rifles/Carbines

Magazine Lee-Enfield

British troops and some of the Mahdists are armed with Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles, which would've been correct for the time period.

Lee-Enfield Mk.I - .303 British

Soldiers of the Royal North Surrey Regiment present arms.

British and Egyptian troops with their Lee-Enfields.

British troops open fire during the battle of Omdurman. Many of the extras were played by soldiers of the Royal East Kent Regiment (the Buffs.)

Harry Faversham with a Lee-Enfield.

Lieutenant Willoughby (Jack Allen) with a Lee-Enfield.

Short Magazine Lee-Enfield

Some of the Egyptian troops and Mahdists are armed with Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles. These are anachronistic.

Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British

Egyptian troops present arms with their SMLEs. Note the Pattern 1907 bayonets, which were longer to compensate for the shorter length of the rifle. (The "Short" in Short Magazine Lee-Enfield refer to the length of the rifle, not the length of the magazine.)

An Egyptian cavalry trooper or light horseman with his SMLE.

A Mahdist with an SMLE.

Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine

At least one Mahdist is seen armed with a Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine. It may just be a stunt prop.

Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine - .303 British

A mounted Mahdist with his carbine.

A closeup of the muzzle. It seems like it may be a fake.

Birmingham Small Arms Lee-Speed Sporter

Some of the Mahdists are seen with Birmingham Small Arms Lee-Speed Sporter.

Lee-Speed Sporter Rifle - .303 British

The mounted Mahdist on the right with his Lee-Speed.

A Mahdist with his Lee-Speed in battle.

Remington Rolling Block

Mahdists are seen armed with Remington Rolling Block rifles.

Remington Rolling Block Militarized - .45 caliber

Trivia

British cannon

A British cannon fires.

Deck Gun

This may just be a mockup.

See Also

• The Four Feathers (2002)