South Pacific (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Adapted from a best-selling novel & subsequent musical play, 'South Pacific' (produced/directed by Joshua Logan) stars Mitzi Gaynor as WAVE officer Nellie Forbush, who while stationed in the Pacific during WWII falls madly in love with wealthy French planter, Emile De Becque (Rosanno Brazzi). The Navy would like Emile to help them in a reconnaissance mission against the Japanese, but he refuses; having run away from Europe after killing a man in his town. He also sees no reason to become involved in a war which he has no interest in. But when Nellie discovers that Emile has 2 mixed-race children, her inbred bigotry rears its head & she refuses his proposal of marriage. And so, with Emile having nothing to lose, he ultimately agrees to go on the reconnaissance mission.
Emile's partner in this mission is Lt. Joseph Cable (John Kerr), a handsome young man who - like Nellie - is a victim of prejudicial feelings; Joseph Cable had a fleeting chance at happiness with Liat (France Nuyen), daughter of local Tonkanese trader, Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall) ... but the color of Liat's skin made him refuse her in the 11th hour. Singing ensues. Dancing ensues. Romance ensues. Drama ensues. And tragedy ensues. Nellie, realizing the sheer stupidity of her initial racism, prays for Emile's safe return to his plantation. But his (and Lt. Cable's) safety is in serious question.
The heavy, dramatic elements of 'South Pacific' are offset by some gorgeous tropical locales, unique color cinematography, some enticing themes on racism, as well as the low-comedy hijinks of seabee Luther Billis (Ray Walston). If I had any reservations about this film, I could say that both Mitzi Gaynor & Rosanno Brazzi exude chemistry, but lack some star power & come 2nd in charisma to Ray Walston & (particularly) Juanita Moore as Bloody Mary. They bring something different to the proceedings. I leaned forward in my seat when they performed. And you'll look for them to return when they aren't onscreen.
But really, 'South Pacific' has so much to be treasured. Most of all, we get to experience Rodgers & Hammerstein's amazing songs - the sweeping, romantic "Some Enchanted Evening", the otherworldly "Bali H'ai" (mystically performed by Bloody Mary), the rousing "There is Nothing Like a Dame", the adorable "I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy," the joyful "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair", "Happy Talk" (where Bloody Mary pushes Lt. Cable & her daughter together), etc.. These songs are wonderful. The story is engaging (sometimes, more so than the players in said story). Overall, I see why 'South Pacific' was the highest grossing film of 1958. And it's easy to understand this movie's iconic status as one of Hollywood's best Musical offerings. I enjoyed it greatly.
Emile's partner in this mission is Lt. Joseph Cable (John Kerr), a handsome young man who - like Nellie - is a victim of prejudicial feelings; Joseph Cable had a fleeting chance at happiness with Liat (France Nuyen), daughter of local Tonkanese trader, Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall) ... but the color of Liat's skin made him refuse her in the 11th hour. Singing ensues. Dancing ensues. Romance ensues. Drama ensues. And tragedy ensues. Nellie, realizing the sheer stupidity of her initial racism, prays for Emile's safe return to his plantation. But his (and Lt. Cable's) safety is in serious question.
The heavy, dramatic elements of 'South Pacific' are offset by some gorgeous tropical locales, unique color cinematography, some enticing themes on racism, as well as the low-comedy hijinks of seabee Luther Billis (Ray Walston). If I had any reservations about this film, I could say that both Mitzi Gaynor & Rosanno Brazzi exude chemistry, but lack some star power & come 2nd in charisma to Ray Walston & (particularly) Juanita Moore as Bloody Mary. They bring something different to the proceedings. I leaned forward in my seat when they performed. And you'll look for them to return when they aren't onscreen.
But really, 'South Pacific' has so much to be treasured. Most of all, we get to experience Rodgers & Hammerstein's amazing songs - the sweeping, romantic "Some Enchanted Evening", the otherworldly "Bali H'ai" (mystically performed by Bloody Mary), the rousing "There is Nothing Like a Dame", the adorable "I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy," the joyful "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair", "Happy Talk" (where Bloody Mary pushes Lt. Cable & her daughter together), etc.. These songs are wonderful. The story is engaging (sometimes, more so than the players in said story). Overall, I see why 'South Pacific' was the highest grossing film of 1958. And it's easy to understand this movie's iconic status as one of Hollywood's best Musical offerings. I enjoyed it greatly.