With her photojournalist husband missing and presumed to be a prisoner of the Chinese, Jane Hoyt (Susan Hayward) has traveled to Hong Kong (under British rule at the time) to seek information as to his whereabouts. Without a visa, Lewis Hoyt (Gene Barry), had entered China three months earlier in order to do a story; although his camera equipment was found on a junk, the local authorities have no leads as to the man himself, but they do believe he is being held against his will in the Communist nation.
With little hope that the British agents can help her, Jane contacts American expatriate, Hank Lee (Clark Gable)---a smuggler with connections. Attracted to Jane, Hank expects certain "favors" in return for his assistance; however, Jane angrily refuses and attempts to track down information on her own. She's unsuccessful, though, and even finds herself tricked by unscrupulous locals, so in the end she has no choice but to turn to Hank once more. But will Hank---who wants the beautiful lady for himself and, therefore, has something to gain by her husband remaining in captivity---really put himself in danger to locate and free Lewis Hoyt? How it all plays out is the balance of the film.
Soldier of Fortune is a very solid, interesting, exciting film. While I totally love Gone with the Wind and adore Clark Gable in his Rhett Butler role, I also quite appreciate him in his older years. I think he aged well, and I love the gorgeous maturity which marks him at this point in his career/life. He plays his part here to perfection...he's cocky and masculine, yet altogether romantic as well. Susan Hayward---my #2 gal---is wonderful in her role---she's strong and determined, but with an element of softness and vulnerability. I thought the two of them were really terrific together. The supporting cast is good also, especially Tom Tully, who is a bit out of character from what I'm normally used to. The lovely Hong Kong backdrop quite added to the authenticity of the film.
This film is out on DVD, so it ought to be easy to track it down. Gable and/or Hayward fans will probably thoroughly enjoy it.
Happy viewing!!
