Desert Sands

Desert Sands
Desert Sands
	Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Lesley Selander
Screenplay by	Danny Arnold; George W. George; George F. Slavin
Based on	Punitive Action; by John Robb
Produced by	Howard W. Koch; Aubrey Schenck
Starring	Ralph Meeker; Marla English; J. Carrol Naish; John Carradine; Ron Randell; John Smith; Keith Larsen
Cinematography	Gordon Avil
Edited by	John F. Schreyer
Music by	Paul Dunlap
Production; company	Bel-Air Productions
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date	November 18, 1955;
Running time	87 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Desert Sands is a 1955 American adventure film directed by Lesley Selander and written by Danny Arnold, George W. George and George F. Slavin. The film stars Ralph Meeker, Marla English, J. Carrol Naish, John Carradine, Ron Randell, John Smith and Keith Larsen.^[1]

The film was released on November 18, 1955, by United Artists.^[2]^[3] The film was based on the 1954 novel Punitive Action, one of a series of French Foreign Legion novels written by John Robb. Unlike many Foreign Legion films the film was set in the 1950s.

Plot[]

A strong force of mounted tribal Arabs launches a surprise attack on a French Foreign Legion fort in the North African desert, having previously intercepted and brutally massacred a relief column en route to the fort. After an Alamo-like battle, the more numerous Arabs capture the fort.^[4] Addressing the surviving Legionnaires as captives, the Arab leader makes passing reference to Pan-Islam as a motivation for the attacks.

Various sub-plots ensue, until eventually another Legion relief column approaches the fort, unaware that it has been captured. The Arabs create the appearance that all is well and ambush the relief column as it enters the fort. Meanwhile, the captive Legionnaire survivors from the original garrison escape and join the fighting. Another all-out, Alamo-style shootout follows, but this time the reinforced Legionnaires are victorious.^[3] The French flag is raised over the fort once again as the captured Arab survivors are led away.

Production[]

The film was shot at the Imperial Dunes in California. The first choice for the lead was Paul Newman who was offered $20,000 however his agent wanted $35,000 that the producers would not pay.^[5]

Cast[]

Ralph Meeker as Capt. David Malcolm
Marla English as Princess Zara
J. Carrol Naish as Sgt. Diepel
John Carradine as Jala the Wine Merchant
Ron Randell as Pvt. Peter Ambrose Havers
John Smith as Pvt. Rex Tyle
Keith Larsen as El Zanal
Lita Milan as Alita
Philip Tonge as Cpl. Sandy Mc Tosh
Peter Mamakos as Pvt. Lucia 'Lucky' Capella
Otto Waldis as Gabin
Jarl Victor as Lt. Gina Mackie
Mort Mills as Woloack
Aaron Saxon as Tama
Nico Minardos as Gerard
Albert Carrier as Ducco
Terence De Marney as Kramer
Peter Bourne as Weems
Peter Norman as Dr. Kleiner
Joseph Waring as Dylak Spokesman
Bela Kovacs as Maj. Henri Panton

References[]

^ Vagg, Stephen (August 10, 2019). "Unsung Aussie Actors – Ron Randell: A Top Twenty". Filmink.
^ "Desert Sands". TV Guide. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Desert Sands (1955) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
^ Crowther, Bosley (November 19, 1955). "Screen: Foreign Legion; Gory 'Desert Sands' Bows at Palace". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
^ p. 174 Weaver, Tom A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde: Interviews with 62 Filmmakers McFarland, 25 Feb 2010

External links[]

Desert Sands at IMDb

[1] Vagg, Stephen (August 10, 2019). "Unsung Aussie Actors – Ron Randell: A Top Twenty". Filmink.

[2] "Desert Sands". TV Guide. Retrieved 23 October 2014.

[TCM-3] "Desert Sands (1955) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 23 October 2014.

[4] Crowther, Bosley (November 19, 1955). "Screen: Foreign Legion; Gory 'Desert Sands' Bows at Palace". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2015.

[5] . 174 Weaver, Tom A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde: Interviews with 62 Filmmakers McFarland, 25 Feb 2010

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