Plunder of the Sun *** (1953, Glenn Ford, Diana Lynn, Patricia Medina, Francis L Sullivan, Sean McClory) – Classic Movie Review 6918

Long concealed ancient Aztec gold lures American insurance agent adventurer Al Colby (Glenn Ford) and his get-rich-quick treasure hunting company on a quest to old Mexico in director John Farrow’s tight, action-packed 1953 adventure film tale of greed, intrigue and murder.

It is a shame that Jonathan Latimer’s over-familiar, predictable screenplay (based on the novel by David Dodge) about archaeological artifact smuggling in Mexico does not quite match the strength of the performances and direction. And there is no doubt that this time colour would have been better. But it is still quite a good yarn anyway, with enough suspense and action.

When Plunder of the Sun begins to flag and stall, as it does even though it only runs 82 minutes, the rousing acting keeps it going, especially from Francis L Sullivan and Sean McClory as the bad guys Thomas Berrien and Jefferson.

Also in the cast are Diana Lynn, Patricia Medina, Douglass Dumbrille, Eduardo Noriega, Charles Rooner, Julio Villarreal and Mona Barrie in her final film.

It was filmed on Mexican locations at Oaxaca, at the Churubusco Studios, Mexico City and at the Goldwyn Studios, Culver City, California.

Plunder of the Sun is directed by John Farrow, runs 82 minutes, is released by Warner Bros, is written by Jonathan Latimer, based on the novel by David Dodge, is shot in black and white by Jack Draper, is produced by Robert Fellows and is scored by Antonio D Conde.

Patricia Medina (1919–2012).

British-born beauty Patricia Medina died on 28 April 2012  at the age of 92. She became a big star in leading roles opposite Fernando Lamas in Sangaree, Glenn Ford in Plunder of the Sun and Alan Ladd in Botany Bay. Other credits include Mr Arkadin, Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion, Phantom of the Rue Morgue, Stranger at My Door (1956), The Killing of Sister George (1968), Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950), The Lady and the Bandit (1951), Lady in the Iron Mask (1952) and Captain Pirate (1952).
She was married to Richard Greene from 24 December 1941 to 25 June 1951, then married Citizen Kane star Joseph Cotten in 1960.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6918

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