Clive of India (1935) in Color — Starring Ronald Colman & Loretta Young

Clive of India (1935) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Clive of India, the 1935 historical drama directed by Richard Boleslawski and starring Ronald Colman, now available as a professionally colorized version. Fort St. David, Cuddalore, southern India, 1748. While colonial empires battle to seize an enormous territory, rich in spices and precious metals beyond the wildest dreams, and try to gain the favor of the local kings, Robert Clive (1725-1774), a frustrated but talented clerk who works for the East Indian Company and struggles to earn his fortune, makes a bold decision that will change his life forever. This epic historical drama chronicles the rise of Robert Clive from a humble clerk to the founder of British rule in India. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Fort St. David, Cuddalore, southern India, 1748. While colonial empires battle to seize an enormous territory, rich in spices and precious metals beyond the wildest dreams, and try to gain the favor of the local kings, Robert Clive (1725-1774), a frustrated but talented clerk who works for the East Indian Company and struggles to earn his fortune, makes a bold decision that will change his life forever.

Clive begins his career as a lowly clerk in the service of the East India Company, frustrated by his lack of advancement and the limited opportunities available to him. However, his talent and ambition soon catch the attention of his superiors when he demonstrates remarkable military and strategic abilities. As colonial rivalries intensify between the British, French, and local Indian powers, Clive sees an opportunity to prove his worth and secure his fortune through military service rather than clerical work.

The film follows Clive’s transformation from a frustrated clerk to a brilliant military commander who plays a pivotal role in establishing British dominance in India. His most famous victory, the Battle of Plassey in 1757, establishes him as one of the most important figures in British colonial history. The film explores the moral complexities of colonialism, the clash of cultures, and the personal cost of empire-building. Clive’s story is one of ambition, courage, and the transformative power of historical forces on individual lives.

Cast & Crew

Director: Richard Boleslawski

Stars: Ronald Colman, Loretta Young, Colin Clive, Francis Lister, C. Aubrey Smith

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Clive of India was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the grandeur of the Indian landscape and the spectacle of 18th-century colonial warfare. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the vibrant colors of Indian markets and palaces to the dramatic battle scenes and the elegant costumes of the British and Indian aristocracy. The colorized version reveals new visual splendor in the film’s historical settings, where the period-accurate uniforms, architecture, and landscapes gain authenticity that transports viewers to 18th-century India. Ronald Colman’s legendary screen presence gains additional dimension in color, while the film’s epic scope is enhanced by the visual richness of the colorized restoration. Now also available in colour.

Buy Clive of India in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1935, Clive of India represents the golden age of Hollywood historical epics and the cinema’s fascination with colonial adventure and empire-building. The film was released during a period when British imperial power was still at its height, and Hollywood regularly produced films celebrating British imperial heroes. The film reflects the era’s attitudes toward colonialism, portraying Clive as a heroic figure who brings civilization and order to India.

Ronald Colman, one of Hollywood’s most distinguished leading men, brings his trademark elegance and intelligence to the role of Robert Clive. Colman’s performance captures both the ambition and the moral complexity of a man who transforms from a humble clerk to an imperial ruler. The film’s exploration of colonialism reflects the 1930s Hollywood perspective on empire, which often celebrated British imperial achievements while glossing over the darker aspects of colonial rule.

The film’s historical subject matter — the rise of British rule in India — remains controversial today, but the film is valuable as a document of 1930s attitudes toward empire and as an example of Hollywood’s approach to historical drama. Through modern colorization, this epic historical film reaches new audiences who can appreciate its visual splendor, Ronald Colman’s performance, and its value as a historical artifact of Hollywood’s engagement with colonial themes. Now also available en couleur.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in Clive of India?
A: Ronald Colman stars as Robert Clive, with supporting performances by Loretta Young, Colin Clive, Francis Lister, and C. Aubrey Smith.

Q: What is the plot of Clive of India?
A: The film chronicles the rise of Robert Clive from a frustrated East India Company clerk to the founder of British rule in India, focusing on his military victories and the establishment of British colonial dominance.

Q: Who directed Clive of India?
A: The film was directed by Richard Boleslawski, a director known for his work in historical dramas and his ability to create epic cinematic narratives.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Big Trail (1930)
• Easy Living (1937)
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• Devil Girl from Mars (1954)