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Harry Black (film)
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Wikipedia article
'Harry Black' (later titled 'Harry Black and the Tiger') is a 1958 British film adaptation of the novel 'Harry Black' by David Walker, released by 20th Century Fox.
The film stars Stewart Granger, Barbara Rush, Anthony Steel, and I. S. Johar in a BAFTA nominated role. It was shot in India.
Plot
Professional hunter Harry Black is in India. He wants to bag a tiger that is threatening a nearby village. As he proceeds on his journey, he encounters numerous people, including the young, and maybe too smart, Desmond Tanner and his wife Chris, who was Harry's past love.
Cast
* Stewart Granger as Harry Black
* Barbara Rush as Christian Tanner
* Anthony Steel as Desmond Tanner
* I. S. Johar as Bapu
* Martin Stephens as Michael Tanner
* Frank Olegario as Dr. Chowdhury
* Kamala Devi as Nurse Somola
* John Helier as German Sergeant
* Tom Bowman as British Officer
* Allan McClelland as British Officer
* Harold Siddons as British Officer
* Norman Johns as British Officer
* Gladys Boot as Mrs. Tanner
* George Curzon as Mr. Philip Tanner
* Archie Duncan as Woolsey
* John Rae as Fisherman
* Jan Conrad as Tower guard
* Michael Seavers as Frenchman
* Andr Maranne as Frenchman
Novel
The book was published in 1956. It was by David Walker, who had been an officer in the British army and an aide to John Buchan. Walker had emigrated to Canada."NEW NOVELS" Shrapnel, Norman. 'The Manchester Guardian' 7 Feb 1956: 4."Another Britisher Bids for American Literary Favor" Hansen, Harry. 'Chicago Daily Tribune' 11 Mar 1956: g5.
The 'New York Times' called it "a most intelligent novel"."Tiger in the Pass" PAYNE, ROBERT. 'New York Times' 4 Mar 1956: BR3. An obituary of Walker said " the symbolism and allegorical overtones helped raise it to the level of a kind of jungle 'Moby Dick'.""A rambling look backward LEAN, WIND, LEAN" French, William. 'The Globe and Mail' 22 Dec 1984: E.21.
Production
Film rights were purchased by 20th Century Fox in March 1956.By THOMAS M PRYOR Special to The New York Times. (1956, Mar 29). [http://search.proquest.com/docview/113511442 "2 FICTION WORKS ACQUIRED BY FOX"] 'New York Times'
In July 1957 John Brabourne was assigned to produce, in part because he was son-in-law of Lord Mountbatten, former viceroy of India, and thus had many contacts in that country.By THOMAS M PRYOR Special to The New York Times. (1957, Jul 09). [http://search.proquest.com/docview/114185644 "YOUNG FILM TEAM IN WARNERS PACT"] 'New York Times'
In August Fox announced Stewart Granger and Anthony Steel would star."Anthony Steel Films Announced; Two Stars Set for Science Pacts" Schallert, Edwin. 'Los Angeles Times' 23 Aug 1957: B7. At this stage of his career Granger was making movies primarily to finance the ranch he owned with then-wife Jean Simmons."Grangers Staking All on Life as Ranchers: Ranching Suits the Grangers" Smith, Cecil. 'Los Angeles Times' 8 June 1958: E1.
In September it was announced Sydney Boehm was writing the script. Boehm was promoted to producer at Fox but did not produce 'Harry Black'."FOX WILL REMAKE 'BLOOD AND SAND'" 'The New York Times' 2 Sep 1957: 10.
Also in September Fox announced Hugo Frugonese would direct as the first of a three-picture contract with the studio."CURTIS TO CO-STAR WITH WIFE IN FILM" 'The New York Times' 13 Sep 1957: 15.
Stewart Granger and Anthony Steel signed to play the lead roles. Brabourne cast IS Johar after hearing the actor speak at the London Indian Film Festival."BY WAY OF REPORT: Local Film -- Of 'Noah' Mr. Johar of India" By HOWARD THOMPSON. 'New York Times' (21 Sep 1958: X9.
Filming began in India on 2 January 1958.Special to The New York Times. (1957, Aug 27). [http://search.proquest.com/docview/114171585 "SINATRA TO MAKE MOVIE WITH KANIN"] 'New York Times' Filming was completed by March. Don Sharp was in charge of second unit directing.
Reception
The 'Los Angeles Times' called it a "most uncommonly intelligent and excellent film.""'Harry Black' Proves to Be Real Sleeper" Stinson, Charles. 'Los Angeles Times' 25 Sep 1958: C10. The 'New York Times' called it "slow, unconvincing and pretty dull.""In Indian Jungle" Thompson, Howard. 'New York Times' 19 Sep 1958: 24.
'Filmink' said "The movie was a fine chance for Steel to reinvent himself, but he is unable to suggest the inner demons of his character. (As adventure tale, it is too slow, but is redeemed by location footage.)"
'Kinematograph Weekly' listed it as being "in the money" at the British box office in 1958.
References
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