Soldier of Fortune (1955)

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE is one of those 'Eastern adventures' that Hollywood loved making on the occasion. This one has a glamorous starlet in the form of Susan Hayward, who travels to Hong Kong in search of her missing playboy husband, as played by a youthful Gene Barry. She discovers that he illegally entered China and has subsequently gone missing, and the only man to help is roguish adventurer Clark Gable (a little long in the tooth, but still possessing some old-time charisma). This all-colour production is a little stodgy and dated on occasion, but generally gets by on an action-adventure template and lots of local character. Michael Rennie is an asset as the stiff-lipped policeman and the climax doesn't disappoint.

I agree with just about everything Greg said about the film. Perhaps I am wistful about the old Hollywood and the way movies were made back then. The teaming of Gable and Hayward is perfect. She could hold her own against any male lead. Gable was still in his prime and chews up the scenery. Susan Hayward, so strong and yet so vulnerable, was elegant in her circa 1954 wardrobe. The photography is splendid with so many great Hong Kong locations. It reminds me of "Love is a Many Splendored Thing," also from 1955. But, as Greg pointed out, it is the majestic, sweeping score by Hugo Friedhofer that lingers in my mind. I want that soundtrack! Overall, I loved the movie. It was exciting and had a Hollywood happy ending. They just don't make them like they used to!

Jane Hoyt (Susan Hayward, graceful and stunning, but tough as nails, as always), arrives in Hong Kong, intent on finding her husband, photojournalist Louis Hoyt (Gene Barry), who went missing in Communist China (where is Bill Clinton when you need him? ;) several months before. Back then, the British Empire owned Hong Kong, so she must go through them (in the form of a dashing Michael Rennie), but gets few leads, except for the name of a Mr. Lee, whom Rennie has few good words for.Thanks to deft editing, solid acting throughout, and beautiful photography, the flick moves quickly, taking us to seedy Tweedy's bar, the streets of Hong Kong, and ultimately to the luxurious home of the mysterious Mr. Lee (Cable) himself. Clark seems a tad old for the part, but is in great shape physically, and moves quickly and gracefully through all the action scenes. There is plenty of comic relief in the scenes at Tweedy's bar. Look for a stand-out performance by Anna Sten as Madame Dupree as Tweedy's "starving spy" who finds true love.If you like "Love is a Many-Slendored Thing," you will like this movie, although people with strict morals about marriage may raise any eyebrow or two throughout the course of the movie, even for one made in 1955!

One of the classics made in the 1950's, when Hollywood took you to exotic places with wonderful romances and great adventures. This movie is possibly Ernest K. Gann's best. Only competition is his High and the Mighty, but personally I have always admired Hank Lee and been in love with Jane Hoyt. Bigger than life characters, among a superb cast of wonderfully colorful characters. On her first viewing, my wife commented that there were parallels with Casablanca. My immediate response is that Hank Lee is no Rick Blaine. Hank is something else. A sensitive hero, but a go-getter, rather than a tortured soul. Despite the new skyline, this movie reminds you of the Chinese side of Hong Kong. The ride up the tram to Victoria Peak becomes something extra special after watching this movie. Pop up some corn, sit back, and escape into a world of great adventure.