Collections Search | BFI | British Film Institute

The Drum (Original title)The Drums (Alternative title)
Date: 1938 (Release)

Country: United Kingdom

Directed by: Zoltan Korda

Synopsis: An independent Indian state revolts and is subdued by British troops.

Genre:
Drama

Subject:
Colonialism
Releases
Date: 1938Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - SoundRuntime: 104 mins Length: 9205 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: United Artists

Credits (34)
Production Company: London Film Productions, [Production Company]: Denham Productions, Distributed by: United Artists, An Alexander Korda Production: Alexander Korda, Production Manager: David B. Cunynghame, [Production Assistant]: André de Toth, Scenario by: Arthur Wimperis, Scenario by: Patrick Kirwan, Hugh Gray, Adaptation by: Lajos Biro, [From a story] By: A.E.W. Mason, Photographed by: Georges Perinal, Indian Location Scenes Photographed by: Osmond Borradaile, Technicolor Colour Director: Natalie Kalmus, Technicolor Photographic Adviser: Aldo Ermini, [Camera Operator]: Robert Krasker, [Focus Puller]: Christopher Challis, [Clapper Loader]: Geoffrey Unsworth, [Special Effects]: Edward Colman, Supervising Editor: William Hornbeck, Film Editor: Henry Cornelius, [Assistant Editor]: Maurice Harley, Settings Designed in Colour by: Vincent Korda, [Associate Art Director]: Ferdinand Bellan, Music Composed by: John Greenwood, [Music]: Miklós Rózsa, Musical Director: Muir Mathieson, Sound Director: A.W. Watkins, Sound System: Western Electric Mirrophonic, Technical Adviser: Brigadier Hector Campbell, Technical Adviser: Lieut Colonel F.D. Henslowe, Thanked in credits: His Highness The Mehtar of Chitral, Made at the: Denham Studios
Cast (25)
Sabu (Prince Azim), Raymond Massey (Prince Ghul), Valerie Hobson (Marjorie Carruthers), Roger Livesey (Captain Tony Carruthers), David Tree (Lieutenant Escott), Desmond Tester (Bill Holder), Francis L. Sullivan (governor), Archibald Batty (Major Bond), Frederick Culley (Dr Murphy), Amid Taftazani (Mohammed Khan), Lawrence Baskcomb (Zarullah), Roy Emerton (Wafadar), Michael Martin Harvey (Mullah), Martin Walker (Herrick), Ronald Adam (Major Gregoff), Charles Oliver (Rajab), Julian Mitchell (sergeant), Miriam Pieris (Indian dancer), Edward Lexy ([Sergeant Major Kernel]), Alf Goddard ([Private Kelly]), Leo Genn ([Abdul Fakir]), Ralph Truman ([Umrah Bey]), Gerald Campion ([boy in barracks]), Edward Underdown ([officer at ball]), Alexander Sarner ([uncredited])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (13)
In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v7 n1 2010  Pages: 5-20
Title: Korda, Technicolor and the zeitgeistAuthor: DRAZIN, Charles Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines the role of Alexander Korda in the introduction of Technicolor to the British film industry. Highlights the reasons (economic, populist and prestigous) and how Korda's use of Technicolor in his films progressed.

In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n1 1998  Pages: 158-159
Title: ReviewsAuthor: Harper, Sue Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of "The Korda Collection", a selection of 12 video titles released by Carlton Home Entertainment, includes The DRUM (1938).

In: Today's Cinema v70 n5649 19 May 1948  Page: 17
Title: [Today's Cinema - v70 n5649 19 May 1948: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n2142 20 May 1948
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2142 20 May 1948: no known title]Language: English

In: Motion Picture Herald v172 n3 17 Jul 1948
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v172 n3 17 Jul 1948: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v62 n4977 5 Jan 1944
Title: [Today's Cinema - v62 n4977 5 Jan 1944: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n1916 6 Jan 1944
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1916 6 Jan 1944: no known title]Language: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v5 n52 April 1938  Page: 96
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v5 n52 April 1938: no known title]Language: English

In: Film Weekly v20 n495 9 Apr 1938  Page: 24
Title: [Film Weekly - v20 n495 9 Apr 1938: no known title]Language: English

In: The Picturegoer v8 n368 11 Jun 1938  Page: 24
Title: [The Picturegoer - v8 n368 11 Jun 1938: no known title]Language: English
Description: Synopsis.

In: Motion Picture Herald v131 n5 30 Apr 1938
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v131 n5 30 Apr 1938: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n1616 7 Apr 1938
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1616 7 Apr 1938: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v48 n3610 12 May 1937
Title: [Today's Cinema - v48 n3610 12 May 1937: no known title]Language: English


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (4)
Title: Quit India: the image of the Indian patriot on commercial British film and television, 1956-1985
Author: Izhar, Dror  Pages: xx, 388 pages

Title: Life through a lens: memoirs of a cinematographer
Author: BORRADAILE, Osmond  Pages: xi, 224 p.

Title: Colonial India and the making of empire cinema: image, ideology and identity
Author: CHOWDHRY, Prem  Pages: vi-viii, 294p.

Title: "Stop this slander"
Author: PATEL, Baburao  Pages: 83 p.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(64)
Accessible materials to view(3)
Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-636408
Status: Viewing


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-638090
Status: Viewing


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-638140
Status: Viewing



Digital materials(3)
Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-636408
Status: Viewing


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-638090
Status: Viewing


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-638140
Status: Viewing



Video materials(2)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-593139
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376566
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape



Film materials(59)
Description: 16mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundBFI identifier: C-752532
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Colour InternegativeBase: CTASound: Combined as MuteLength: 167 FeetStock date: 1989BFI identifier: C-790089
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 25 FeetBFI identifier: C-1425381
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 801 FeetStock date: 1938BFI identifier: C-45253
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 1496 FeetStock date: 1938BFI identifier: C-45268
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 8731 FeetStock date: 1948BFI identifier: C-752533
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-752537
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 5900 FeetStock date: 1942BFI identifier: C-1607125
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-752538
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation PromasterBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8563 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45244
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-45267
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Cyan Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1973BFI identifier: C-597829
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 5 FeetStock date: 1940BFI identifier: C-45255
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 6 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45263
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 7 FeetStock date: 1942BFI identifier: C-45259
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597832
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 2533 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597835
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Cyan Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597838
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 5 FeetStock date: 1948BFI identifier: C-45262
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 6 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45264
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 7 FeetStock date: 1942BFI identifier: C-45250
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597833
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 2533 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597836
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Magenta Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597839
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundBFI identifier: C-752536
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: SilentBFI identifier: C-752539
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 5 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45254
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 6 FeetStock date: 1940BFI identifier: C-45260
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 7 FeetStock date: 1942BFI identifier: C-45249
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597831
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 2533 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597834
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe Yellow Separation NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-597837
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation PromasterBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8563 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45243
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-45266
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1973BFI identifier: C-597830
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Magenta Separation PromasterBase: NitrateBFI identifier: C-752534
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Master PositiveBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 8740 FeetStock date: 1989BFI identifier: C-611247
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Master PositiveBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 1739 FeetBFI identifier: C-611248
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Master PositiveBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 168 FeetBFI identifier: C-611249
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original Cyan Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-597841
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original Magenta Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-597842
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 6825 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45246
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 1738 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45247
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45248
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original Yellow Separation NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-597840
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45251
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 2546 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45256
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 6017 FeetStock date: 1947BFI identifier: C-45258
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 217 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-45257
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Re-recordedBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 7559 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-790086
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 221 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-790090
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 817 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-790087
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 8 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-790088
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Reversal Colour InternegativeBase: CTASound: MuteLength: 8586 FeetStock date: 1977BFI identifier: C-790085
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm YellowBase: MixedSound: MixedLength: 336 FeetBFI identifier: C-752540
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation PromasterBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8563 FeetStock date: 1937BFI identifier: C-45245
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation PromasterBase: MixedSound: MuteLength: 6030 FeetStock date: 1953BFI identifier: C-45269
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation PromasterBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1973BFI identifier: C-597828
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Yellow Separation PromasterBase: NitrateLength: 168 FeetStock date: 1938BFI identifier: C-752535
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film