Search - Fort Algiers on DVD

Entertaining French Foreign Legion Western

Ray K. Sibul | Morris, MN USA | 03/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The fort in FORT ALGIERS is like a fort in any American western, however, this time it has been transplanted to Algeria, with the French Foreign Legion as the cavalry saving the day. Cliches like bullets fly left and right, but it is still fun to see oily smooth villain Raymond Burr (vintage 1953) and lovely singer/spy Yvonne De Carlo in action. An entertaining 76 minutes, directed by one of the most capable, but often overlooked Hollywood contract directors of B westerns, Lesley Selander. Selander's crowning achievements, among numerous lower budget films, in my opinion, are the two B+ Rod Cameron westerns: PANHANDLE (1948) and STAMPEDE (1949).

I will bestow 3 stars upon FORT ALGIERS for entertainment value, but must absolutely insist on adding another star for the pristine pictorial quality of the DVD. Geneon has released a flawless black and white print, clean and sharp. Even Criterion could not have done better. The disc has no extras, but for the condition and low price, FORT ALGIERS is a B movie treasure."