The 7th Dawn

William Holden, Capucine, Susannah York, and Tetsurô Tanba star in "The 7th Dawn," a 1964 film done on location in Malaysia. At the end of World War II, Major Ferris (Holden) decides to stay in Malaysia, where he becomes a land baron. The woman who fought alongside him, Dhana, moves in with him. The third member of their trio, Ng (Tetsuro Tanba) who is like a brother to both of them, leaves to work with the communists.

Over the years, it becomes more dangerous to live in Malaysia due to Communist terrorism as the British prepare for Malaysian independence. As the situation worsens, Major Ferris and Ng ultimately have a difficult and painful decision to make.

"The 7th Dawn" is visually stunning, with some absolutely magnificent photography throughout, with an interesting story that was overshadowed in history by Vietnam. William Holden is perfectly cast as the world-weary Ferris, and Capucine gives a very dignified performance as the highly regarded activist Dhana. Susannah York plays a beautiful young woman who falls for Ferris, and handsome Tetsuro Tanba gives a powerful performance as the dedicated Ng.

Very good script without a typical Hollywood ending. I'm not quite sure why this film isn't more regarded.

Set in the terrorist-turn Malaya of the Fifties with a commmunist guerrila just after WWII and pre-independence . The tale is the old of two men :William Holden , Tetsuro Tamba , friends in the war against the Japanese who , years later , find themselves on opposite sides . Along the way , Holden discovers Susannah York swimming in the nude . During the violent riots , Capucine is detained and accused of treason . The governor : Michel Goodliffe threatens her to be condemned for terrorism, and to execute her , as her friends have to save her from hanging for a crime she did not commit .

Stirring and enjoyable film set in Malaysia , it is all quite exciting , however the finale results to be a disappointing anti-climax . Being based on the novel titled The Durian Tree by Michael Koel and thrilling script by Karl Tunberg . Main actors are pretty good . William Holden is fine as a former officer who decides to become himself a landowner and stay on with mistress Capucine after the war , while Tetsuro Tamba is right as the guerrilla fighter who takes off for Moscow and goes back indoctrinated and determined to convert the country into Communism , finally Susannah York is very attractive as the governor's daughter who has a crush on Holden and helps him out. Filmmaker Lewis Gilbert drives his players hard , providing nice acting from Wiliam Holden , Susannah York , Tetsuro Tamba and outstanding Capucine who delivers her character any real feeling . They are supported by a top-notch secondary cast , such as : Michael Goodliffe , Allan Cuthbertson, Maurice Denham, Sidney Tafler, among others.

It contains a colourful and sunny cinematography by prestigious cameraman Freddie Young , shot on location , but a perfect remastering being really necessary . As well as a rousing and moving musical score by the Italian Riz Ortalani. The motion picture was competently directed by Lewis Gilbert, though his efforts are often stunted by a storyline with plenty of cliches . This Brit craftsman Lewis Gilbert was a good professional who directed a lot of films , getting successes and some flops . Lewis made all kinds of genres and James Bond movies , including the following ones : Damn the Defiant , Alfie , Educating Rita , Sea shall have not them, The Spy who Love me , Moonraker , You only live twice , among others . Rating : 6.5/10 . The flick will appeal to William Holden fans .

I agree with most posts. I think this was an underrated film, surprisingly hard to find. It was quite critical of the British elements of counter terrorism. It seemed a little simplistic, but it told a story not usually found in most movies. I think that it was a good, balanced viewpoint of colonialism, terrorism as well as romance. This would be an intriguing remake, if today's times were a little different. Today's culture is far into the anti-terrorist mode to understand the psychology of insurgency. Vietnam was much more complex, with the S.Vietnamese bureaucracy betraying themselves and China masterminding the NVA for its own purposes. William Holden played the naive, if somewhat self-important voice of reason. He played the angle from his side, and was critical of the British viewpoint. The "loyalty" aspect was quite intriguing and prevalent throughout most of the film, and he distinguished that element again in the Wild Bunch. This was a pretty good movie.

For years I would notice this in television guides rated as one check or one star, right down there with Attack of The Killer Tomatoes. I have often puzzled at who is responsible for this and other way-off subjective ratings I have seen.

This movie was a two star movie just for Freddie Young's photography.

While not up there with The Bridge On The River Kwai, I believe this film is worthy of being rated higher than hundreds I have seen rated with two and three stars.

This film has some fine performances by Susannah York, Capucine, and Tetsuro Tamba, as well as William Holden.

This film has one of the most beautiful opening scenes of any picture I have seen, coupled with the music of Riz Ortolani, which I believe only Freddie Young's gifted artistic photo talents could have accomplished.

The only possible reason for it's low rating that I could think of, was the era it was released, when anti-war sentiments were building towards Viet Nam. At any rate, personal point of views should not affect the grading of art forms, and is a travesty to truth.

This film was made in Malaya in 1963. Because it was to show scenes of burning a malay kampong, the British government refused permission for their troops to take part. Australia was approached and agreed. Myself and about 80 other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, the royal Australian regiment, who were based at terendak camp, malacca, malaya were selected. We got to meet bill holden and beautiful cupacine the french actress and many other people on the set (directer camera men and so on). it was all very exiting and over 40 years ago. I still have a number of black and white photos taken at various times. by the way when it was released it was called "the year of the dragon" evidently it was thought not a good title for America and changed to the "seventh dawn" when i attend battalion re-unions on the gold coast in queensland, those of us who were in the film still enjoy a good laugh about our parts, but then again the subject was very close to our hearts. it is the only fight against communist terrorist that was a full success, although Vietnam was, only for what the press did at tet.