Description
Harry Black (later titled Harry Black and the Tiger) is a 1958 British film adaptation of the novel Harry Black by David Walker, released by 20th Century Fox.
The film stars Stewart Granger, Barbara Rush and I. S. Johar in a BAFTA nominated role. It was shot in India.
Plot
Professional hunter Harry Black is in India. He wants to bag a tiger that is threatening a nearby village. As he proceeds on his journey, he encounters numerous people, including the young, and maybe too smart, Desmond Tanner and his wife Chris, who was Harry’s first wife.
Cast
Stewart Granger as Harry Black
Barbara Rush as Christian Tanner
Anthony Steel as Desmond Tanner
I. S. Johar as Bapu
Martin Stephens as Michael Tanner
Frank Olegario as Dr. Chowdhury
Kamala Devi as Nurse Somola
John Helier as German Sergeant
Tom Bowman as British Officer
Allan McClelland as British Officer
Harold Siddons as British Officer
Norman Johns as British Officer
Gladys Boot as Mrs. Tanner
George Curzon as Mr. Philip Tanner
Archie Duncan as Woolsey
John Rae as Fisherman
Jan Conrad as Tower guard
Michael Seavers as Frenchman
André Maranne as Frenchman
The book was published in 1956. It was by David Walker, who had been an officer in the British army and an aide to John Buchan. Walker had emigrated to Canada.
The New York Times called it “a most intelligent novel”. An obituary of Walker said ” the symbolism and allegorical overtones helped raise it to the level of a kind of jungle Moby Dick.”
Production
Film rights were purchased by 20th Century Fox in March 1956.
In July 1957 Lord Bradbourne was assigned to produce, in part because he was son-in-law of Lord Mountbatten, former viceroy of India, and thus had many contacts in that country.
In August Fox announced Stewart Granger and Anthony Steel would star. At this stage of his career Granger was making movies primarily to finance the ranch he owned with then-wife Jean Simmons.
In September it was announced Sydney Boehm was writing the script. Boehm was promoted to producer at Fox but did not produce Harry Black.
Also in September Fox announced Hugo Frugonese would direct as the first of a three picture contract with the studio.
Stewart Granger and Anthony Steel signed to play the lead roles. Braborne cast IS Johar after hearing the actor speak at the London Indian Film Festival.
Filming began in India on 2 January 1958. Filming was completed by March.
Reception
The Los Angeles Times called it a “most uncommonly intelligent and excellent film.”[14] The New York Times called it “slow, unconvincing and pretty dull.”
