Product Description

Honor. Duty. Respect. These three military traditions are in jeopardy at a British regiment stationed in colonial India at the end of the nineteenth century. A new recruit is charged with dishonorable conduct when a beautiful widow (Academy Award nominee Susannah York) is attacked. In an attempt to prevent a public court-martial, the superior officers (Academy Award winner Richard Attenborough, Stacy Keach, and Christopher Plummer) set up an internal hearing. It is up to an idealistic young officer (Michael York) to defend the accused attacker (James Faulkner). Conduct Unbecoming boasts a stellar cast in an epic historical drama which will keep you in suspense until the shocking climax.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64598 in DVD
• Brand: Koch International
• Released on: 2005-11-08
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 106 minutes

Customer Reviews

Splendid Look at the Old Raj!
This is a wonderful period piece. What makes this movie exceptional is the splendid depiction of regimental life in Old Raj India. The 20th Indian Light Horse, a lance armed unit as shown in the film was typical of the old Indian army created by the British. The unit is portrayed in the film by the Presidential Guard of Pakistan who seem to maintain the old traditions of the past.

The beginning of the film shows a musical ride with the cavalry perfroming a unique dressage display highlighting formation movements that were typical of the day. These were usually accompanied to regimental music as shown in the film. This unique display is rarely seen nowadays, although the Household Cavalry in London have been known to perform similier displays.

I have gone on about the period details of this film to indicate what a fine production it is over all. As for the cast you can not find a more glittering example than here. Some of the finest English actors of the 1960s and 70s are here. As usual Richard Attenborough puts on a stellar performance as the deranged Major of the regiment. One is remided here of another great film he did like this in GUNS OF BATASI. The remaining cast is equally superb.

No doubt such regimental scandal was often covered up as shown in the film. Such was not only common to the British, but to every army. And remains so to this day for sure! The officers shown here are all victims of a peacetime army one could say. For so many years the Anglo-Indian army was mostly on peace time establishment that many often went mad with bordum. Add also the oppressive heat and the unique circumstances of service in a strange and rich environment where Europeans reigned supreme; and its not surprsing that events as shown here may have taken place from time to time.

This is not a war film per se, but more a study of regimental life. The movie shows how traditions and honor can sometimes mean the opposite of what they appear, which none the less provide a code of conduct for the officer class. It's important not to view this movie with a 21st century perspective. Try to see it within the context of its time and place.

Enjoy then what is a splendid period piece with great actors and fine sets, all lushly woven together into a tight storyline with a good deal of suspence. Unfortunately there are no extras in this DVD edition, but its great to see this classic back again.

hard to comprehend in 2006
Honor, loyalty, comradship and most of all the Regiment. Concepts difficult to relate to in the 21st century. Are they really relative? This question I really can't answer, but it is eminently worth pondering. This movie and its stage play predecessor pose those questions. One must understand the attitude of people living in a foreign country, the change this makes on their attitudes, combine this with being an infallible being in that country, add strong tradition to the mix and you have the crux of this extremely well acted and written film. I recommend it very highly

"Conduct Unbecoming" is very becoming
Conduct Unbecoming
This mystery that takes on all the suspense of a courtroom drama keeps you interested to the very last moment. I have watched it numerous times with delight. The director and cast have delivered to the world a screen gem that will remain a classic for years to come. Michael York's audio commentary--a special feature on the DVD--invites the viewer into the mind of one of the world's finest stars of stage and screen. If you haven't seen it, treat yourself to fine entertainment by seeing it.