The Four Feathers

Few stories have made successful films, but A.E.W Mason's romantic adventure set in the heyday of the British Empire is one of that rare number. First seen on the screen in 1939, the gripping yarn of cowardice redeemed by heroism has found an audience in each new generation. Here Beau Bridges plays the handsome Lieutenant Harry Feversham, in love with the beautiful Ethne Eustace (Jane Seymour). On the eve of his engagement, he burns the telegrams that summon him and his three close friends to war in Egypt. Upon discovery, his friends send him three white feathers-symbols of cowardice. And the fourth, together with his ring, is sent by Ethne. Disgraced and ashamed, Feversham sets out to redeem his honour. In the contrast between the lush English countryside and gracious life and the desert and the.harsh realities of war, this stirring drama summons up all the virtues and follies of the famous stiff-upper-lip attitude of the English. But it also recalls al the forgotten tales of a bygone age:the honour, devotion and courage of gentleman and soldiers, here captured in the youthful charm of Simon Ward, the dashing Robert Powell, and Beau Bridges.