Zulu Dawn Review: A Stolid Prequel to a Cinematic Classic
The 1979 film Zulu Dawn serves as the prequel to the massively successful 1964 film Zulu, which depicted the Battle of Rorke's Drift with vivid performances from Stanley Baker and Michael Caine. This earlier installment focuses on the disastrous British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana, showcasing an impressive ensemble cast that includes Peter O'Toole, Burt Lancaster, and Denholm Elliott. Despite its star power, the film often feels like an extended second-unit sequence, lacking the internal drama and light-and-shade that made its predecessor so potent.
An Arrogant Officer Class and Stellar Performances
At the outset, Zulu Dawn excels in scene-setting, portraying an arrogant though not incompetent British officer class in colonial South Africa. Peter O'Toole delivers a haughty performance as Lt Gen Lord Chelmsford, while Burt Lancaster brings depth to the role of the disillusioned Col Durnford. Denholm Elliott, with his characteristic grimace of suppressed fear, plays Col Pulleine, and Nigel Davenport portrays the honourable Col Hamilton-Brown, who refuses to dine until his men are fed. Simon Ward appears as the stylish adventurer Lt Vereker, and John Mills takes on the role of colonial administrator Sir Henry Bartle Frere. On the Zulu side, South African actor Simon Sabela plays King Cetshwayo, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
Provocative Themes and Missed Opportunities
The film opens with a revealing garden party scene at the garrison, where simpering ladies and moustachioed officers display utter unconcern about their leaders provoking a needless war with the Zulus to expand territory and annihilate a perceived threat. One character chillingly remarks, "This will be the final solution to the Zulu problem," highlighting the colonial mindset. Anna Calder-Marshall has a poignant role as a bishop's daughter, adding a touch of gallant tenderness to the narrative. However, after this strong start, the film grinds capably into action but fails to deliver crucial foregrounded drama where top-ranking individuals reveal deeper aspects of themselves.
Battle Scenes and Historical Context
The combat scenes in Zulu Dawn are impressively staged, yet the battle itself unfolds as one very extended, classy B-roll sequence. The British defeat at Isandlwana is attributed to being overwhelmed by sheer Zulu numbers despite superior firepower, as a panicky soldier notes, "Bullets run out – and those spears don't." This historical accuracy is marred by the film's lack of emotional depth, making it a watchable but ultimately flat experience. Interestingly, the film inspired a bizarre urban myth about a gruesome death scene involving three spears to the neck, though no such scene exists.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Zulu Dawn was met with little more than a shrug from critics and audiences alike. It remains a fine example of period and historical filmmaking, but it struggles to capture the confrontation and drama that defined Zulu. For those interested in war films or British imperial history, it offers a glimpse into the arrogance that led to disaster, but in terms of cinematic impact, it results in a draw between interest and boredom. The film is set for a re-release in UK cinemas from 13 March, providing a new opportunity for evaluation.
