Bhowani Junction (1956)

Bhowani Junction wants to be an "important" film, being set as it is, in a crucial period of world history, the liberation of India from colonial rule. Unfortunately, Bhowani's ambitions are not realized, and it comes across as a rather turgid melodrama that just happens to take palce in (and exploit) an important historical setting. It's possible that this is due to studio interference on the part of MGM, as director George Cukor has claimed that the film -- which was significantly cut and altered by the studio -- doesn't conform to his more complicated vision of the project. Whatever the case, the resulting Bhowani is entertaining enough on its own simple (and occasionally simple-minded) terms, but one wishes it had more heft to it, as well as more genuine excitement. Since what remains of the picture is a run-of-the-mill romance, it would help if it had some real "zing" to it. It also would help if it had cmore consistency, but the film chugs along in fits and starts and changes its mind frequently as to whether it's a history, a romance, a social study or an all-out adventure. The cast certainly helps, with both Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger in very fine physical form, and both doing what they can with the material. Bill Travers is rather insipid, but the supporting cast is strong, and the physical production is quite good. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide