Classic Movies - Fabulous Films of 1939: Gunga Din

Today, let’s talk Classic Adventure-Gunga Din! Brought to the screen in 1939, Gunga Din is loosely based on Rudyard Kipling’s poetic tribute to a regimental “bhisti” (native water carrier) who heroically died on the northern frontier of Queen Victoria’s India in 1892. Most of the film, however, centers on the brawling, boisterous antics of three British soldiers played to the hilt by Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Joan Fontaine appears briefly in a few scenes, providing the only romantic interest in the story. Sam Jaffe, skin darkly-dyed and clad only in a turban and “large diaper”, portrays “Gunga Din”. His character is seen now and again, grinning cheerfully while he does menial tasks for the British Army. As guardian of the immense British Empire in India, that Army stands between the “glories” of civilization and the chaos of restless native uprisings. The restless natives in this case are the Thuggees (our word “thug” is derived from them), worshippers of the blood-thirsty goddess, Kali. The leader of the cult is their fanatical high priest (masterfully played by Eduardo Cianelli). Maniacally chanting, “KILL, KILL, KILL”, the Thuggees set out to do just that to the British regiment heading their way.

Naturally, by the picture’s end, British imperialism triumphs, but brave “Gunga Din”, whose dream was to be a British soldier, is killed while warning the regiment (via bugle call)of the impending ambush by the Thuggees. The final lines of Kipling’s poem are read (closing the film on a poignant note) while Grant, McLaglen, and Fairbanks, Jr. look upon the lifeless form of their heroic friend and rescuer: “Though I’ve belted you and flayed you, /By the livin’ Gawd that made you, /You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!” As the scene fades out to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne”, the smiling, saluting image of “Gunga Din” in full British Army uniform is superimposed over the final shot.

Gunga Din is a wonderful, action-packed adventure, full of humor, drama, and camaraderie. Its themes and sensibilities may be a bit dated and even frowned upon by some in today’s “politically correct” society, but you can’t pretend history with all of its empire building, racism, cults, and class-systems didn’t exist, so why not enjoy all such movies and learn something (good or bad)about that period of time? After all, none of those social defects exist anymore- right?
Don’t forget to check out our blog every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next few weeks for more fabulous films of 1939.

**Trivia Question for Today: In what comedy of the late 60s does Peter Sellers hilariously spoof “Gunga Din” bugling the warning of an ambush? The answer will appear in our next post.

Trivia Answer for Previous Post: The remake of The Rains Came is 1955’s The Rains of Ranchipur starring Richard Burton as Major Safti, Lana Turner as Lady Esketh, Fred MacMurray as Tom Ransome, and Joan Caulfield as Fern Simon. Although it was basically the same story, the ending was changed.