The Brigand of Kandahar

The Brigand of Kandahar is a 1965 British adventure film directed by John Gilling and starring Ronald Lewis, Oliver Reed and Duncan Lamont. Case, a British Indian Army officer, is discharged from his regiment after being accused of cowardice. He then joins a group of Indian brigands on a quest to capture a British fort. It was one of a number of British films made during an era that featured foreign warriors as their protagonists. It was filmed with extensive footage from Zarak. Plot Lt Case (Ronald Lewis) is a mixed-race officer of the Bengal Lancers operation in northern India. In 1850 on the North West Frontier of India, in the bordering region of modern Afghanistan, a British garrison seethes with boredom. The mixed-race Lieutenant Case (Ronald Lewis) has been having an affair with a fellow officer's wife, Elsa (Katherine Woodville). Elsa is persuaded to terminate the scandalous relationship. Lieutenant Case reports back to his regiment following a sortie where a fellow officer is captured by local bandits. Coincidentally, the captured officer is Elsa's husband and Case ends up facing charges of cowardice. Colonel Drewe (Duncan Lamont) has him court-martialed for "cowardice in the face of the enemy". The show trial results in his dishonourable discharge and a 10 year prison term. With help from the tribesmen, Case escapes and flees into the mountains where he falls into the hands of Eli Khan (Oliver Reed), the leader of the brigands. Case and Khan make a deal whereby Khan grants sanctuary and the chance of vengeance and Case agrees to train the brigands to storm the British fort. Case struggles between his British upbringing and his new position and insists that Khan will not harm civilians captured. As Khan tortures his prisoners including the captured British officer, Case struggles to contain his emotions. In the background lurks Eli Khan's mysterious sister, Ratina (Yvonne Romain). Eli Khan leaves their mountain fastness on a scouting mission.