By Lee Pfeiffer
The boutique DVD label Twilight Time has released a limited edition (3,000 units) of the 1955 film The Left Hand of God starring Humphrey Bogart. The 1955 Fox drama is set in China in 1947, though it curiously avoids the topic of the battle between the forces of democracy and communism that raged throughout the country in the post-WII period. Bogart plays Jim Carmody, a soldier of fortune who finds himself stranded in China and serving as a military adviser for a local ruthless warlord. Although he's bribed with plunder and women, Carmody realizes he's still a virtual prisoner and plots his escape. This he accomplishes by adopting the identity of a recently murdered Catholic priest. He makes his way to a rural Christian mission where he continues his ruse. Caromdy knows just enough about Catholicism to fool the Christian converts at the mission, which is run by Dr. Sigman and his wife Beryl (E.G. Marshall and Agnes Moorehead, both in fine form) along with a beautiful young nurse, Anne (Gene Tierney). Although much of the plot devices outlined here are not revealed until well into the film, I assure you that this is no way diminishes the suspense quite simply because there isn't any. We know from the first few minutes that Bogart isn't really a priest, especially when he secretes a loaded pistol under his pillow.
The film, directed by the usually able Edward Dmytryk, is based on a novel that had been kicked around Hollywood for years before Fox took the plunge. It's a glum, humorless affair and the informative liner notes by Julie Kirgo tell us that Bogart was already in the early stages of ill health that would soon prove to be fatal. (He would only make two more films in rapid succession before passing away from cancer in 1957.) Similarly, Tierney's career was sidetracked as she battled mental illness. This was to be her big comeback movie but she would henceforth be relegated to supporting roles before retiring from acting in 1964. The film is filled with absurdities. Tierney struts around the isolated mountain mission in a wardrobe that makes it look like she just returned from the showroom at Saks 5th Avenue. As we've written about extensively in Cinema Retro, the practice of casting Caucasian stars in parts meant for Asian actors was firmly in place during this period. Thus, we have Lee J. Cobb as the charismatic Chinese warlord! That's right- Willy Lohman himself trading barbs with Bogart and using the same voice and mannerisms as his immortal villain Johnny Friendly from On the Waterfront. This is awkwardly explained by having him remind Bogart that he is a graduate of an American university! This can actually be the solution for all of our disaffected college grads who are frustrated with the lack of jobs. Instead of joining the Occupy Wall Street movement, they can simply move to Asia and become warlords. The profession may be dead in China, but it's booming in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Although the film was shot entirely on the Fox Ranch in California, it must be said that the excellent production design and creative use of matte paintings does make for a convincing "on location" feel. The film's other strength is a fine score by the great Victor Young. However, the plot meanders and ends up going nowhere. Even the potentially suspenseful threat of a vengeful warlord is derailed over a friendly game of dice.There is virtually no chemistry between Bogart and Tierney, despite some longing gazes. This is because Fox was concerned about offending the Catholic church so the film was scrubbed of all but the most innocent references to sex.
Twilight Time's transfer is up to their usual excellent standards and features Young's score on an isolated track. As mentioned previously, the company's inclusion of liner notes booklets in every release is a welcome touch, especially when they don't sugarcoat flawed films such as this.
The Left Hand of God is not Bogart at his best, but even second rate Bogie is still worth a look.
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