Cast overview: | |||
James Mason | ... | Maxwell Fleury | |
Joan Fontaine | ... | Mavis Norman | |
Dorothy Dandridge | ... | Margot Seaton | |
Joan Collins | ... | Jocelyn Fleury | |
Michael Rennie | ... | Hilary Carson | |
Harry Belafonte | ... | David Boyeur | |
Diana Wynyard | ... | Mrs. Betty Fleury | |
John Williams | ... | Colonel Whittingham | |
Stephen Boyd | ... | Euan Templeton | |
Patricia Owens | ... | Sylvia Fleury | |
Basil Sydney | ... | Julian Fleury | |
John Justin | ... | Denis Archer | |
Ronald Squire | ... | Governor Templeton | |
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Hartley Power | ... | Bradshaw |
Set on a fictitious island in the Carribean during colonial British rule, it focuses on the life of a young charismatic and handsome black male with political aspirations. He finds himself confused on returning home when his romantic liaison with a white female tends to conflict with his political views. As rumor has it, an interracial screen kiss caused quite a commotion in the U.S. when this movie was released. The plot is further strengthened by a look at the lives of a white expatriate family also living on the island. The family has to deal with problems of infidelity, racism, and murder. Written by Warren D. Mottley <trident@toj.com>
While there are many other more "contemporary" films which examine race relations issues equally as competently if not more so - considering this one was produced back in 1957 it should be recognized as genuine breakthrough! Sure, you may have heard about some of its cop outs, but bear in mind that interracial relationships were political dynamite at the time - and yet some of the film's observations remain poignant even today. But the ultimate beauty of this film is that even if you could care less about the racial issues, it still excels as a mystery / "whodunit" with some intriguing plot twists, as a mini musical with Harry Belafonte performing at the top of his game, and even as a sort of Travel Channel feature-of-the-week, which might leave you booking reservations to your own tropical paradise. So tune out the naysayers for a moment and give this one a fair shot. It may not be technically perfect, but most will be entertained, one way or another.