Desert Legion
| Desert Legion | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Joseph Pevney |
| Produced by | Ted Richmond |
| Written by |
Irving Wallace Lewis Meltzer |
| Based on | novel The Demon Caravan by Georges Surdez |
| Starring |
Alan Ladd Arlene Dahl Richard Conte |
| Cinematography | John F. Seitz |
Production company |
Universal |
| Distributed by | Universal |
Release dates | 1953 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1,650,000 (US)[1] |
Desert Legion is a 1953 American action film directed by Joseph Pevney and starring Alan Ladd, Arlene Dahl, Richard Conte and Akim Tamiroff.
Plot
Ladd stars as a soldier in the French foreign legion who stumbles across a lost city in the mountains of Algeria.
Cast
- Alan Ladd as Paul Lartal
- Richard Conte as Crito [also known as Omar Ben Khalif]
- Arlene Dahl as Morjana
- Akim Tamiroff as Pvt. Plevko
- Oscar Beregi as Khalil
- Leon Askin as Major Vasil
- Anthony Caruso as Lt. Messaoud
- George J. Lewis as Lt. Lopez
- Sujata as Dancer
- Asoka as Dancer
- Ted Hecht as Tubban
- Don Blackman as Kumbaba
Production
The film was made by Universal Pictures, and based on a 1927 novel The Demon Caravan by Georges Arthur Surdez.
It was Alan Ladd's first film for Universal since becoming a star. It was a one picture deal and gave Ladd a percentage of the profits, a relatively novel thing at the time.[2][3] (He split profits with the studio 50-50.[4]) Joseph Pevney was assigned to direct.[5]
Ladd had broken his hand during a fight scene towards the end of his most recent film The Iron Mistress, but recovered to begin work on Desert Legion on 7 July 1952.[6]
Akim Tamiroff joined the support cast. It was his first Hollywood film in three years.[7]
References
- ↑ 'The Top Box Office Hits of 1953', Variety, January 13, 1954
- ↑ Kramer Will Film Story of Airplane Pioneers; Ladd in 'Desert Legion' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 02 May 1952: B9.
- ↑ KRAMER WILL FILM STORY OF WRIGHTS: Producer Buys Book by Fred Kelly About Air Pioneers as Basis for New Movie By THOMAS M. PRYORSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 02 May 1952: 21.
- ↑ HOLLYWOOD REPORT: Plan to Aid Smeared Scenarists Is Voted Down by the Writers Guild -- Addenda By J. D. SPIROHOLLYWOOD.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 20 July 1952: X5.
- ↑ CHARLES LAUGHTON SIGNS FOR 'SALOME': Arrives in England but Will Return Soon to Play Herod Opposite Rita Hayworth By THOMAS M. PRYORSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 31 May 1952: 13.
- ↑ Ladd Ready to Go in 'Desert Legion' Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 15 June 1952: D2.
- ↑ TV COMEDY STARS SIGNING FOR FILM: Lucille Ball and Her Husband, Desi Arnaz, May Do Sequence in Billy Rose's Picture By THOMAS M. PRYORSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 17 June 1952: 23.