The Four Feathers (1939)

Harry Faversham is a sensitive boy trapped in a military family. He's fulfills the expectations placed on him by joining up and reaching the level of lieutenant. But when his unit is called to action in the Sudan, he resigns immediately -- causing three fellow soldiers and his fiancé to formally label him a coward by sending the titular feathers to him. So...he decides to go, on his own, to the Sudan and work dangerously undercover, becoming an even bigger hero than any of his friends.

The problem is that Harry's friends weren't wrong. He was a coward who was shamed into stepping up. His decision was more about saving face than true bravery. Absolutely no one to admire in this one...which made it hard for me to feel touched or excited by the derring-do.

C+