This 1962 film is place in Hawaii and, considering that it had impartial become a residence a mere three years before, certainly captured the public’s imagination and interest. Charlton Heston is cast as a wealthy widower whose sister, Yvette Mimieux, is in fancy with a Polynesian, played by James Darren. He vehemently objects to the marriage on racial grounds, but has no dilemma having his bear runt inter-racial affair with France Nuyen. Complications arise, especially when Nuyen becomes pregnant. There is a violent incident when the future bridegroom is murdered, and his doctor brother, George Chakiris, gets into a romance with Yvette Mimieux. The whole film is about racial intolerance and it sends a strong message, which kept the record arresting. The acting was great and Yvette Mimieux, then 20 years aged, was a pleasure to gawk at. The setting was fine too; I can never acquire tired of looking at films site in Hawaii.

However, there was fair a bit too worthy melodrama for my taste and although the sage moved posthaste and was well plotted, I never felt any exact emotion for the characters. And, as in the 60s, most of the people who were supposed to be Polynesian were really Caucasian actors with darkened skin, thereby losing authenticity. Usually, this kind of casting makes me wrathful, but this time I fair relaxed and enjoyed the video, which was salubrious, dealt with a controversial theme, and was easy to follow. But we can’t query all movies to be works of art. Therefore, despite its faults, I give this film a lightweight recommendation.

Contemporary audiences may only know Charlton Heston from his vehement NRA sponsorship and his occasional cameo roles in expansive budget films and commmercials, but at one time, he was a Gigantic MAN in film. New from his role in “Ben-Hur, the film has him playing a domineering and self-serving plantation owner who makes life “hell” for his young sister played by Yvette Mimieux. Filmed three years or so after the admission of Hawaii into the Union, the film carefully treads the tense waters that exist between haole and native Hawaiians. Mimieux’s character is romantically fervent with James Darren’s Paul Kahanna, a “native” boy. The relationsip is frowned on by the hypocrital Heston who himself is having a “succor street” affair with France Nuyen. George Chakiris, as Darren’s successful doctor brother, provides abet for Mimieux after a fatal occurance.

As far as political correctness is concerned, the film is hopelessly flawed with the choice of actors playing the respective Hawaiians. Darren, an alumnus of so many teen movies, does a credible job, but, not once, is believed to be Hawaiian. Chakiris, who had previously won an Academy Award for playing a Puerto Rican in “West Side Tale” fares even less. Mimieux is adequate in the typical 60′s sex kitten role. Heston is basically playing his typical larger than-life self as “King” Howland.

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The film is challenging and mighty as an early exhaust in focusing on speed relations. For that reason, it gets a recommendation. Heston fans, of which I am one, will probably like it.

One highlight is the grand pick up done by a young John Williams. As Heston rides a horse over the opening credits, the music is majestic and proper of the scope and expanse of the plantation, and hints at the epic to follow.
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