"Dark of the Sun"

Released in 1968, "Dark of the Sun" is one of the most explosive adventure films made in the 60's. Starring Rod Taylor as Bruce Curry, the story revolves around him leading a band of mercenaries into the Congo to retrieve highly guarded diamonds. Included in the cast are Jim Brown, (in one of his better acting performances) Peter Carsten, Kenneth More, and Yvette Mimieux as the damsel in distress. High octane action and considered extremely violent for its time. I remember seeing the film many years ago and was totally enthralled. Its almost a forgotten film now, but in my book it is a classic. Patiently waiting for a DVD release, this one needs to be in circulation and viewed again.


Of course with most good movies, spectacular novels came first. And that was definitely the case with "Dark of the Sun." Written by Wilbur Smith in 1965, the book was originally titled "Train from Katanga" and was the author's second novel. An exceptional action adventure and my personal favorite by Wilbur Smith.

Description from the paperback: "They hunt diamonds. They hunt cannibals. They hunt each other. They're mercenaries in the Congo, a battlefield torn apart like a vast, wide-open wound. For mercenary leader Bruce Curry, the mission means hunting the thing he hates most and savoring every shameless minute. For beyond hate, beyond revenge, is the thrill of hunting the most dangerous and cunning game of all -- man"