East of Elephant Rock

This tale of murky deeds in the British colonial era is no WHITE MISCHIEF, although it'll do as a warts-and-all retelling of life, love, and deceit during that era. It benefits hugely from casting the ever-great John Hurt in the leading role. Hurt plays an idealistic young man who discovers himself fighting racism and intolerance in an unnamed colony in the Far East, while at the same time falling in love with a forbidden woman.

EAST OF ELEPHANT ROCK is a virtually forgotten film today although it's not all that bad. The Sri Lankan filming locations are fantastic at least and there are numerous familiar faces in the cast list, all of whom contribute decent performances. I would've preferred a little more Anton Rodgers, but Jeremy Kemp (DR TERROR'S HOUSE OF HORRORS) is fine as the blustering old timer. Best of all is Judi Bowker, who manages to capture something oddly ethereal in her character.

The plotting is a little slow and stodgy, and it's clear that Don Boyd was just starting out on his directing career because his direction is pedestrian. But for those who enjoy dark tales of murder and betrayal in the long-forgotten days of the British Empire, you might just like it.