Escape to Burma ** (1955, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, David Farrar) – Classic Movie Review 12,572

The humble, routine 1955 Technicolor adventure romance drama film Escape to Burma gets a lift from its stars Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan and David Farrar.

Director Allan Dwan’s fairly humble and routine 1955 American Technicolor adventure romance drama film Escape to Burma gets a lift from its stars Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan and David Farrar. It is based on the short story Bow Tamely to Me by Kenneth Perkins, originally published in the 31 October 1936 issue of Collier’s Magazine and reprinted in the June 1938 issue of Pearson’s Magazine.

Also in the cast are Murvyn Vye, Reginald Denny, Lisa Montell, Peter Coe, Alex Montoya, Robert Cabal, and Gavin Muir.

Wrongly accused murder suspect Jim Brecan (Ryan) flees from the law and finds refuge and romance with indomitable Gwen Moore (Stanwyck) on her isolated Burma tea plantation. When cop Captain Cardigan (Farrar) turns up, an extended jungle pursuit follows.

Escape to Burma is a familiar, professionally played potboiler, with Dwan’s robust upfront direction lifting a cheap-looking B-movie production that naturally didn’t stray from America, and the ageing stars can still give anyone lessons. Stanwyck charms the elephants in the film so she may well be able to charm audiences too. The script makes valiant attempts to be sincere and honourable in its story and viewpoints.

It may be made cheaply but it is shot nicely by John Alton in Superscope and colour. It cost just over $2 million and earned about $2.5 million.

Escape to Burma is directed by Allan Dwan, runs 87 minutes, is made by Benedict Bogeaus/ Filmcrest Productions, is released by RKO Radio Pictures, is written by Talbot Jennings and Hobart Donovan, based on the short story Bow Tamely to Me by Kenneth Perkins, is shot in Technicolor by John Alton, is produced by Benedict E Bogeaus, and is scored by Louis Forbes.

The cast are Barbara Stanwyck as Gwen Moore, Robert Ryan as Jim Brecan/ Martin, David Farrar as Captain Cardigan, Reginald Denny as The Commissioner, Robert Warwick as The Sawbwa, Murvyn Vye as Makesh, Lisa Montell as Andora, Robert Cabal as Kumat, Peter Coe, Alex Montoya, and Gavin Muir.

© Derek Winnert 2023 – Classic Movie Review 12,572

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