North West Frontier (film)

North West Frontier (released in the US as Flame Over India) is a 1959 British adventure film directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Kenneth More, Lauren Bacall, Herbert Lom, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. Set in British India in 1905, the film revolves around the perilous journey of a train carrying a young Hindu prince across dangerous territory to safety amidst rising religious tensions and a potential uprising.

The film depicts a fictionalized account of unrest and political maneuvering in the North-West Frontier Province of British India. When a Hindu prince's father is assassinated, fears arise that the unrest is spreading and the prince's life is in danger. Captain Scott (Kenneth More), a British officer, is tasked with transporting the prince from a remote outpost to a safer location. They travel on a dilapidated steam locomotive, known as the "Empress of India," accompanied by a small group of British soldiers, the prince's governess (Lauren Bacall), and a Eurasian arms dealer (Herbert Lom) who may not be entirely trustworthy.

The journey is fraught with danger as the train is pursued by rebels and saboteurs seeking to assassinate the prince and further incite rebellion. Captain Scott and his companions must overcome numerous obstacles, including attacks on the train, derailments, and treacherous terrain, while also dealing with their own internal conflicts and suspicions.

The film is notable for its action sequences, dramatic tension, and the performances of its lead actors. It offers a glimpse into the political and social complexities of British India during the colonial era, although with significant dramatic license. It was filmed in Spain, despite its Indian setting. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a popular adventure film.