Highly enjoyable melodrama/disaster picture set in an Indian state which seems to be mostly run by Indians - something that gives the picture extra kick because even though the Indian characters are played by Hollywood actors in brown face, at least the Indians have more power. They seem to like the British - or at least drunken, dissolute artist George Brent, given one of the best roles in his career.
Brent's really the leading man - which surprised me because I thought the movie was more about Myrna Loy's romance with "Indian" Tyrone Power. That plot is definitely in there, but as much if not more time is spent on Brent, and his friendship with old flame Loy (a fellow slut), and romance with adoring Brenda Joyce.
The quality of acting is high - Power is good as the decent, anxious to do well Indian (if you can get past the brown face factor), and Loy is excellent as always in a less typical role for her (I was disappointed we never got to see much good-time-girl-ing from her).
Maria Ouspensaka plays a strong Indian ruler - and actually the movie has decent female characters, all headstrong and in charge of their destinies. (Although admittedly Loy dies while Brent gets to live and have happiness... price of forbidden interracial romance, I think.) Good to see Nigel Bruce in a less sympathetic role, as an aristocrat whose valet hates him.
The special effects were impressive for the time and some sequences really hold up well today - such as a room collapsing under the weight of water, and Brent swimming through the flood (surely not a good idea). Stylish directorial touches too like when Loy realises she's drunk dodgy water.
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