What's funny about this is reading some of the reviews here which basically think the story is "silly". Apparently the writers didn't know that the film is based on a true story, albeit it sufficiently fictionalized for Hollywood.
As to the movie itself, it's darned entertaining...quite a bit of swash to the buckle, although it's not actually a swashbuckling film. Burt Lancaster is in top form here, and I must say that as one who did not always appreciate Lancaster, I have to admit he's supremely engaging here. And, it appears that he did all (or most all) of his own stunts...which is not surprising considering his time spent working at a circus (yes, really).
The rest of the cast does well. Benson Fong, a staple in American films that have to do with the Chinese, including being one of the sons of Charlie Chan) is entertaining, as always. While the role was not memorable, one of the leaders on the island was played by Abraham Sofaer, who, interestingly was of Burmese-Jewish descent, and was a frequent actor in films and television as he aged. The female lead here is Joan Rice, who was quite beautiful, but not a particularly great actress; her career lasted a decade.
Another big plus to this movie is that much of it was filmed in the region, and the photography is often quite lush with beautiful color.
This film reminds me a little of "Farewell To The King" with Nick Nolte, although they are different stories. Here, Lancaster becomes king of a South Pacific island (which is basically true) as he deals in the trade of copra (coconut meat). Of course, he doesn't remain king. Hence, the most interesting aspect of the story -- the rise and fall of a common man. Or does he "fall"? One problem with the script is that the good times turned bad -- including his marriage -- literally overnight. That didn't quite make sense. Entertaining! Recommended!
As to the movie itself, it's darned entertaining...quite a bit of swash to the buckle, although it's not actually a swashbuckling film. Burt Lancaster is in top form here, and I must say that as one who did not always appreciate Lancaster, I have to admit he's supremely engaging here. And, it appears that he did all (or most all) of his own stunts...which is not surprising considering his time spent working at a circus (yes, really).
The rest of the cast does well. Benson Fong, a staple in American films that have to do with the Chinese, including being one of the sons of Charlie Chan) is entertaining, as always. While the role was not memorable, one of the leaders on the island was played by Abraham Sofaer, who, interestingly was of Burmese-Jewish descent, and was a frequent actor in films and television as he aged. The female lead here is Joan Rice, who was quite beautiful, but not a particularly great actress; her career lasted a decade.
Another big plus to this movie is that much of it was filmed in the region, and the photography is often quite lush with beautiful color.
This film reminds me a little of "Farewell To The King" with Nick Nolte, although they are different stories. Here, Lancaster becomes king of a South Pacific island (which is basically true) as he deals in the trade of copra (coconut meat). Of course, he doesn't remain king. Hence, the most interesting aspect of the story -- the rise and fall of a common man. Or does he "fall"? One problem with the script is that the good times turned bad -- including his marriage -- literally overnight. That didn't quite make sense. Entertaining! Recommended!