"Paradise Lagoon" (also known as "The Admirable Crichton") is a film version of the J. M. Barrie play from the turn of the 20th century. In many ways, the Lina Wertmüller film "Swept Away" is very, very similar, though it is very sexual in nature...and in 1903 this sort of plot never would have been produced as a play any where!
The film is about a group of folks who are shipwrecked on an island in the South Pacific. At first, the six upper class twits in the group insist, insanely, that their two servants carry on like they were all back home in England. However, when it becomes obvious these rich folks know nothing about caring for themselves, the tables are turned and the servants gain the upper hand...with the servant Crichton (Kenneth More) becoming their leader. The six love and admire him...and wait upon him like he is their master. But what happens when they are later discovered?
The plot is interesting...but ultimately my family felt like I did...that the film's ending simply was a disappointment. It's a shame, as the story had a kernel of enjoyability about it, but Barrie's message was confusing and not particularly satisfying.
The film is about a group of folks who are shipwrecked on an island in the South Pacific. At first, the six upper class twits in the group insist, insanely, that their two servants carry on like they were all back home in England. However, when it becomes obvious these rich folks know nothing about caring for themselves, the tables are turned and the servants gain the upper hand...with the servant Crichton (Kenneth More) becoming their leader. The six love and admire him...and wait upon him like he is their master. But what happens when they are later discovered?
The plot is interesting...but ultimately my family felt like I did...that the film's ending simply was a disappointment. It's a shame, as the story had a kernel of enjoyability about it, but Barrie's message was confusing and not particularly satisfying.