Hurricane (1979)

The desperate love affair between a young Samoan chief and an American painter, against the will of her father. Amid this man-made tension comes a hurricane so devastating, the lives of the lovers and the entire island are imperiled.

Director:

Jan Troell

Writers:

James Norman Hall (novel), Charles Nordhoff (novel)

Stars:

Jason Robards, Mia Farrow, Max von Sydow

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jason Robards	...	Capt. Charles Bruckner
Mia Farrow	...	Charlotte Bruckner
Max von Sydow	...	Dr. Danielsson
Trevor Howard	...	Father Malone
Dayton Ka'ne	...	Matangi
Timothy Bottoms	...	Jack Sanford
James Keach	...	Sgt. Strang
Ariirau Tekurarere	...	Moana
Alex W. du Prel	...	Cpl. Morrah (as Willie Myers)
Nick Rutgers	...	Cmdr. Blair
Nancy Hall Rutgers	...	Mrs. Blair
Manu Tupou	...	Samolo
Simplet Tefane	...	Velaga
Piero Bushin	...	Running Man
Noel Teparii	...	Tano

Storyline

The desperate love affair between a young Samoan chief and an American painter, against the will of her father. Amid this man-made tension comes a hurricane so devastating, the lives of the lovers and the entire island are imperiled.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | disaster movie | disaster film | hurricane | island | 

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Taglines:

There is only one safe place... in each other's arms.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Peter Bogdanovich was offered the chance to direct.

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Alternate Versions

The original 1979 UK theatrical release was passed with a 'AA' certificate (prohibiting anyone under 14) with cuts to the 'deflowering' of the native girl, and re-released the following year as an 'A' certificate in a shorter and heavily edited print with further cuts to the same scene including all later references to it. The 1987 Guild video was 15 rated and featured the full uncut print.

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Connections

Referenced in Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story (1995)

User Reviews

Mia Farrow falls for boy from wrong side of the lagoon

HURRICANE is not a great film, but it sure IS entertaining. Some of the scenes and situations are ludicrous (Jason Robards has the hots for his daughter, Mia Farrow) and the dialogue is often hilarious. But if you stick around, you'll find that the production values are astonishing. Among the talents behind the camera are Jan Troell (THE EMIGRANTS, THE NEW LAND), who directed; Sven Nykvist (cinematographer for many of Ingmar Berman's later films) who filmed on location in the South Pacific; and Nino Rota, who wrote a lovely, haunting musical theme. The performances aren't so bad (considering the dialogue) and the special effects at the end show you why this was one of the most expensive films of its day.

Details

Country:

USA Netherlands

Language:

English Samoan

Release Date:

12 April 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Forbidden Paradise

Filming Locations:

Bora Bora, Leeward Islands, French Polynesia

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dino De Laurentiis Company, Famous Films (II)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1