America doesn't like to think of itself as an Imperial power, even when it had an Empire (they like to think of themselves as throwing off the Empire's shackles) but the success of Life of a Bengal Lancer was such that Hollywood went through a five year cycle of pumping out Imperial action films that centred around three male heroes: The Charge of the Light Brigade, Gunga Din.
For variety, Henry Hathaway decided to do this, set in the Philippines before World War I, with American troops fighting Moros who are picking on the poor little locals. There are some interesting parallels with the Iraq war - the aim of the Yank troops is to train the locals well enough to defend themselves against Muslim extremists. So this isn't a "how awesome is this Empire on which the sun never sets" story it's more of a "aren't we nice Americans helping the Philippines and we won't be forever" story (this would make an interesting double bill with John Sayles' Amigo). Significantly, hero Gary Cooper is an army doctor rather than a straight up action hero.
Politics aside, this is actually an enjoyable adventure film, beautifully shot and well directed by Hathaway. I didn't find Cooper as annoying as I often do because his character didn't sulk and was more heroic. It's really his film; David Niven, then during the hero's-best-friend phase of his career, has a decent supporting role as a fellow officer (the Franchot Tone part) - he's not really convincing as an American, but that's part of the fun. Broderick Crawford is the third friend, who is a keen botanist.
My favourite bit: the Moros tying themselves to trees and catapulting them over the walls into the fort.
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