Clive of India

Clive of India

Year: 1935

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Boleslawski

AdventureDramaWarActionHistory

In 1748 at Fort St. David in Cuddalore, southern India, the clash of empires over spice‑rich lands and the favour of native rulers provides the backdrop for Robert Clive (1725‑1774), a talented clerk of the East India Company. A single six‑word remark from a woman prompts him to make a bold choice that reshapes his destiny and the map of Asia.

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Timeline & Setting – Clive of India (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Clive of India (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-18th century (1748 and after)

Set against the colonial struggles of 1748–1750s, the story follows British, French, Dutch and Portuguese clashes in India. It traces Clive's rapid rise from clerk to commander during a period of rapid territorial expansion. The narrative notes the annual monsoon and the imperial politics that influence decisions and battles.

Location

India, England

The film moves between 18th-century India under the East India Company and a sophisticated English backdrop. Key Indian settings include Fort St. George, Arcot and Trichinopoly, where sieges and campaigns unfold. The English homefront in London shows up as Clive's personal life and politics unfold; the monsoon season also shapes the military actions.

🗺️ Colonial conflict 🏰 18th-century empire 🛡️ Monsoon campaigns

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:36

Main Characters – Clive of India (1935)

Meet the key characters of Clive of India (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Clive (Ronald Colman)

A restless clerk who sees a destiny beyond the desk and becomes a fearless commander. He persuades the reluctant army to lift sieges, captures Arcot, and conquers southern India in under a year. His ruthlessness and clever diplomacy drive imperial expansion, even as his private life and loyalties become strained.

🎖️ Ambition 🗺️ Leadership 🛡️ Empire

Margaret Maskelyne (Loretta Young)

Edmund Maskelyne's sister who becomes Clive's wife and emotional anchor. She is drawn to Clive's vision but is overwhelmed by his public triumphs and the resulting distance between them. Her presence grounds the story in personal stakes amid grand historical events.

❤️ Romance 🛡️ Loyalty 🎭 Drama

Mir Jaffar (Cesar Romero)

A shrewd political operator who allies with Clive to secure power in India. He embodies the wariness of fragile alliances and the quiet, calculated nature of imperial politics. His collaboration ultimately underpins Clive's triumph, even as it carries moral ambiguity.

🧭 Power 🤝 Alliance ⚖️ Betrayal

Admiral Watson (Ferdinand Munier)

A cautious Royal Navy officer who resists signing a secret treaty, embodying the rule-bound counterweight to Clive's improvisational tactics. He represents institutional restraint in contrast to Clive's bold moves. His stance foils or delays strategic deals that alter the course of campaigns.

⚓ Authority 🧭 Principle 🕊️ Diplomacy

Edmund Maskelyne (Francis Lister)

Clive's ally and friend who starts as a clerk and moves into the army. He provides pragmatic counsel and loyalty, navigating the same perilous political landscape as Clive. His support helps sustain Clive’s ascent amid turmoil.

🧭 Loyalty 🗺️ Strategy 🤝 Friendship

Suraj Ud Dowlah (Mischa Auer)

Ruler of northern India who opposes Clive and becomes the target of his military campaign. He embodies the resistance that Clive must overcome to expand British control. The rivalry culminates in pivotal battles that shape the future of the region.

⚔️ Conflict 🏰 Power 🗡️ Rivalry

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:36

Major Themes – Clive of India (1935)

Explore the central themes of Clive of India (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Ambition

Clive's sense of destiny drives him from a bored clerk to a bold military leader. His ambition fuels daring campaigns, risky political moves, and bold negotiations, altering the map of southern India. Yet the drive for glory comes at a personal and political cost, testing loyalties at home and abroad.

🏛️ Empire

The narrative centers on empire-building, where power, wealth, and control are earned through sieges, treaties, and political intrigue. Clive reshapes the balance of power in India by orchestrating victories and manipulating alliances. The film shows how imperial ambitions can both elevate a nation and corrupt its leaders.

💔 Romance & Loyalty

Margaret's arrival and marriage to Clive anchors a personal story amid political upheaval. Their relationship experiences strain as Clive's career consumes him, yet personal loyalty and affection intermittently pull him back. The romance highlights the human cost beneath epic conquest.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:36

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Clive of India Summary

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Clive of India Summary

Clive of India Timeline

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Clive of India Timeline

More About Clive of India

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Clive of India (1935) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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