Google Ads
Login | Sign Up

Beau Geste Overview:

Beau Geste (1939) was a Action - Adventure Film directed by William A. Wellman and produced by William A. Wellman.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by P. C. Wren published in 1924.

SYNOPSIS

An oft-remade adventure tale tells the story of three brothers who "confess" to stealing a rare gem in order to save the female culprit. The brothers in arms battle the elements and their enemies to live long enough to clear the family name. The haunting opening sequence is one of the most famous in film.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Academy Awards 1939 --- Ceremony Number 12 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Supporting ActorBrian DonlevyNominated
Best Art DirectionHans Dreier, Robert OdellNominated
See More Oscar Winners

Beau Geste BlogHub Articles:

Watching 1939: Beau Geste (1939)

on Apr 30, 2020 From Comet Over Hollywood

In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them. As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, th... Read full article

Beau Geste (1939): Brotherly Love in The French Legion

By 4 Star Film Fan on Dec 19, 2019 From 4 Star Films

“The love of a man for a woman waxes and wanes like the moon…but the love of brother for brother is steadfast as the stars, and endures like the word of the prophet.” ~ Arabian Proverb No matter what Joseph Von Sternberg thought of such a proclamation, we can concede his Morrocco w... Read full article

THE GREAT VILLAIN BLOGATHON: Brian Donlevy as Sergeant Markoff, Beau Geste (1939)

on May 24, 2019 From Caftan Woman

Karen of Shadows and Satin, Kristina of Speakeasy and Ruth of Silver Screenings are hosting The Great Villain Blogathon for 2019. Look for all the baddies on May 24th to the 26th. P.C. Wren's 1924 adventure novel Beau Geste is a touchstone in the genre, giving us the most honourable and lik... Read full article

Beau Geste ( 1926 )

By The Metzinger Sisters on Oct 28, 2015 From Silver Scenes - A Blog for Classic Film Lovers

In 1926 Percival Christopher Wren's best-selling novel "Beau Geste" was brought to the screen in a thrilling silent adaptation by John Russell and Herbert Brenon. It was a film that inspired director William Wellman and launched numerous remakes ( including Wellman's 1939 version of Beau Geste ). ... Read full article

Beau Geste ( 1926 )

By The Metzinger Sisters on Oct 28, 2015 From Silver Scenes - A Blog for Classic Film Lovers

In 1926 Percival Christopher Wren's best-selling novel "Beau Geste" was brought to the screen in a thrilling silent adaptation by John Russell and Herbert Brenon. It was a film that inspired director William Wellman and launched numerous remakes ( including Wellman's own 1939 version of Beau Geste )... Read full article

See More Beau Geste Articles

Beau Geste Quotes:

Markoff: (to a dead soldier he props on the wall The rest of the bullets you stop won't hurt as much as that first one.
John Geste: Well, isn't anybody going to say a word?
Michael 'Beau' Geste: You young pup, we're both so disgusted with you we're speechless.
John Geste: I'm no worse than either of you.
Digby Geste: There's something in what he says.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: I insist I'm worse than he is. He didn't steal the Blue Water.
John Geste: Neither did you.
Digby Geste: No. As a matter of fact, I've got it.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: I'll be frank with you, gentlemen. I've got it. I intend to sell it for 30,000 pounds sometime in the future, and live a life of ease in Paris surrounded by whiskey, ladies, and laughter.
Digby Geste: Well that's funny. I'm going to sell it and go to Paris, too. Only I don't' want any laughter.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: One thing I counted on was my younger brother leading an upright life while I spent my ill-gotten gains.
Digby Geste: Yes, I was counting on him, too.
John Geste: If you don't mind my saying so, the great sapphire is in my possession. And as soon as I can arrange to sell it, I'm going to the South Seas, buy a plantation, and start trading in copra.
Digby Geste: He puts us both to shame, doesn't he, Beau?
Michael 'Beau' Geste: Let's put him to death and keep his share.
[Schwartz is shouting at the legionnaires to mutiny against Markoff]
Michael 'Beau' Geste: Wait a minute. I don't know much about mutinies, but I do know it isn't good form to plan them at the top of your voice.
Markoff: The jewel you stole. I want it.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: I have no jewel.
Markoff: I know you have.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: I haven't.
Markoff: Are you sure?
Michael 'Beau' Geste: Quite sure.
Markoff: I advise you to change your mind. Otherwise, when this is over, I may have to shoot you to make sure.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: I understand, Sergeant.
Markoff: You mean you'd rather not hand it over now and save your life?
Michael 'Beau' Geste: No, Sergeant.
Markoff: That's very unfortunate... for you.
John Geste: Charming fellow, our sergeant.
Michael 'Beau' Geste: A trifle uncouth, but the best soldier we'll ever see.
See More Quotes from Beau Geste
Beau Geste Facts
This remake of the 1926 film (Beau Geste) was shot on the same sets at the same locations in Yuma, AZ, as the original.
Gary Cooper was not in the original Beau Geste, but he did appear both in this remake of it and in the sequel to it, Beau Sabreur. William A. Wellman declined the job of directing the latter film but did direct this one.
Film was honored on one of four 25¢ US commemorative postage stamps issued 23 March 1990 honoring classic films released in 1939. The stamp featured Gary Cooper as Beau Geste. The other films honored were Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone with the Wind.
At the film's world premiere, the first reel of the 1926 silent version of "Beau Geste" was shown just before the entire 1939 sound version, in an effort to demonstrate how far films had advanced in thirteen years. This almost backfired because the 1939 film apparently followed the 1926 one extremely closely, and some of the first-night critics were annoyed rather than pleased at this, feeling that the 1939 version should have been more imaginative. However, this did not keep the 1939 version from becoming a smash hit and a film classic.
One of over 700 Paramount productions, filmed between 1929 and 1949, which were sold to MCA/Universal in 1958 for television distribution, and have been owned and controlled by Universal ever since.
See More Facts about Beau Geste >>