After studying in the US, the son of a Polynesian Chief (with white in his blood) returns home to the superstition-laden islands along with a vacationing Frenchman he met at the University; despite dire warnings from the soothsaying Kahuna, the white stranger--who represents a portent of turbulence to come--falls in love with his friend's blue-eyed sister and decides he wants to stay. Corny, daft, but enjoyable tropical star-crossed lovers tale--a loose remake of King Vidor's same-titled film from 1932 via Richard Walton Tully's play--has been adapted and directed by Delmer Daves, who gives the splendor of native life a frisky, romantic allure. What might have become a heavy mix of soap and masochism is brought off well by the filmmaker, who mounts the proceedings with grand, melodramatic style (even if the angry volcano at the end looks tacked on). Jeff Chandler and Debra Paget (playing brother and sister, fittingly, since they both share a dimpled chin) and Louis Jourdan approach the material with dreamy seriousness, avoiding camp and actually creating two-dimensional characters. Some may argue the production lacks a high-level of gloss or strong special effects, though I believe Daves was focused far more on the customs and beliefs of these people--and also on the love story--rather than on the technical aspects. As such, it's a more emotional picture than its predecessor, and certainly the music by Daniele Amfitheatrof and Ken Darby is a wonderful asset. **1/2 from ****
31 Reviews
Surpasses the original
JohnSeal20 September 2000
Bird of Paradise is a very unusual picture, a subconscious blend of two emerging cultural patterns in 1950s America: 'exotica' and film noir. This is no Paradise Hawaiian Style. Beautiful location photography and a thoughtful screenplay by director-producer Delmer Daves make this one to catch on the late late show (or on Fox Movies!).
Exotic love story set in Polynesia amid likeable natives , bad-tempered sorcerers and angry volcano gods
ma-cortes2 September 2021
A young Frenchman named André Laurence (Louis Joudan) and his friend , college roommate , Tenga (Jeff Chandler) son of a king , arrive in the far island , his Polynesian island home . There , seafaring André assumes the native life as a visitor guest to the remote island , and the young attempts to woo a princess native (Debra Paget) , Tenga'sister , and finally falls for the Polynesian girl , but their idyll is smashed when happens strange happenings , as a feared sorcerer (Maurice Schwarz) and the local volcano begins to erupt , as well as a terrible discovery of a local custom . All you will ever know of love, beauty and rare Adventure ! "east is east and west is west, and never the twain shall meet¨Lava Stains the Night with Red! .A drama of forbidden love beyond the pale of white men's morals. Smash! Go all records ! Thousands rush to see .. The greatets romance ever written.
A romance story with emotion , thrills , sensitive scenes , sacrifices to the volcanic gods at the far island , and traditional habits including tribal dances that were well choreographed . This is a new version from the classic ¨Bird of paradise¨ (1932) by King Vidor with Dolores del Rio , Joel McCrea , John Halliday , displaying a similar plot and characters with some brief variations . Set in exotic South Seas where occurs a love story in which an adventurer arrives in a remote Pacific island falling for a beautiful native , but there happens an ancient and horrible custom : a girl is chosen by a holy man to be sacrificed to the volcano island , as the Kahuna, a terrible shaman , decides that the volcano can only be appeased with a local female . Even the always reliable Louis Jourdan and Jeff Chandler can't save this bit of South Seas island silliness . This kind of thing was fairly popular and typical in the Thirties , Forties and Fifties , but it looks dumb and dated nowadays . Interpretations are acceptable, but neither extraordinary , nor notable , but passable , as Louis Jourdan is fine as the Frenchman visitor who becomes enamored of an exotic island girl and nature seems to disapprove. While Debra Paget shines thanks to her beauty and dancing . Along with brief but agreeable acting from notorious secondaries as Everett Sloane , Maurice Schwartz , Jack Elam and including a true Hawian chief : Prince Leilani .
It displays a shimmering and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Winton C. Hoch , though a perfect remastering being really necessary . Being shot on location in Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, , Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Besides , a moving and touching musical score by composer Daniele Amfitheatrof . The motion picture was professionally directed by Delmer Daves , though with no originality , because being a simple copy of the original classic movie . This craftsman Delmer Daves proved in demonstrating his skill at all areas : as technical , using all kind of resources for illustrating the interesting as well as dramatic story with an engaging screenplay , adding great actors, filmmaking and enjoyable narration . Daves was a Western expert , including his characteristic use of landscape , for the reason he lived a long time of his boyhood with the Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes as he realized the notorious trail-blazing ¨Broken arrow¨ the first movie for many years not treat the Indians as cannon-fodder for the cavalry , which made the picture unpopular in some quarters . He went on directing the suspenseful ¨3:10 to Yuma¨, other pro-Indian as ¨The last wagon¨ and about Modoc Indians as ¨Drum beat¨ , the Shakespearian style of ¨Jubal¨ , ¨Return of the Texan¨ and ¨Cowboy¨ which a fairly spectacle about a long cattle drive . From 1959 Delmer Daves becomes embroiled for the remainder of his career with teenage love epics and very popular at the Box-office as ¨A summer place¨, ¨Parrish¨, ¨Susan Slade¨, and ¨Rome adventure¨, among others . And of course , he realized Noir films such as ¨Dark passage¨ and ¨The red House¨ , both of them absolutely recommended .
A romance story with emotion , thrills , sensitive scenes , sacrifices to the volcanic gods at the far island , and traditional habits including tribal dances that were well choreographed . This is a new version from the classic ¨Bird of paradise¨ (1932) by King Vidor with Dolores del Rio , Joel McCrea , John Halliday , displaying a similar plot and characters with some brief variations . Set in exotic South Seas where occurs a love story in which an adventurer arrives in a remote Pacific island falling for a beautiful native , but there happens an ancient and horrible custom : a girl is chosen by a holy man to be sacrificed to the volcano island , as the Kahuna, a terrible shaman , decides that the volcano can only be appeased with a local female . Even the always reliable Louis Jourdan and Jeff Chandler can't save this bit of South Seas island silliness . This kind of thing was fairly popular and typical in the Thirties , Forties and Fifties , but it looks dumb and dated nowadays . Interpretations are acceptable, but neither extraordinary , nor notable , but passable , as Louis Jourdan is fine as the Frenchman visitor who becomes enamored of an exotic island girl and nature seems to disapprove. While Debra Paget shines thanks to her beauty and dancing . Along with brief but agreeable acting from notorious secondaries as Everett Sloane , Maurice Schwartz , Jack Elam and including a true Hawian chief : Prince Leilani .
It displays a shimmering and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Winton C. Hoch , though a perfect remastering being really necessary . Being shot on location in Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, , Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Besides , a moving and touching musical score by composer Daniele Amfitheatrof . The motion picture was professionally directed by Delmer Daves , though with no originality , because being a simple copy of the original classic movie . This craftsman Delmer Daves proved in demonstrating his skill at all areas : as technical , using all kind of resources for illustrating the interesting as well as dramatic story with an engaging screenplay , adding great actors, filmmaking and enjoyable narration . Daves was a Western expert , including his characteristic use of landscape , for the reason he lived a long time of his boyhood with the Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes as he realized the notorious trail-blazing ¨Broken arrow¨ the first movie for many years not treat the Indians as cannon-fodder for the cavalry , which made the picture unpopular in some quarters . He went on directing the suspenseful ¨3:10 to Yuma¨, other pro-Indian as ¨The last wagon¨ and about Modoc Indians as ¨Drum beat¨ , the Shakespearian style of ¨Jubal¨ , ¨Return of the Texan¨ and ¨Cowboy¨ which a fairly spectacle about a long cattle drive . From 1959 Delmer Daves becomes embroiled for the remainder of his career with teenage love epics and very popular at the Box-office as ¨A summer place¨, ¨Parrish¨, ¨Susan Slade¨, and ¨Rome adventure¨, among others . And of course , he realized Noir films such as ¨Dark passage¨ and ¨The red House¨ , both of them absolutely recommended .
It is not only a beautiful film; it has authenticity
jeffhill13 March 2002
When I first saw "Bird of Paradise", I was an adolescent and I saw it on television as a not-so-recent movie. I already had a crush on Debra Paget from having seen her as Morning Star in "Broken Arrow." I was also a bit enamoured with her sister, Lisa Gaye as Collette DuBois on "the Bob Commings Show." But I figured that sooner or later I would get over my adolescent infatuation with the exotic characters these sister actresses were playing and eventually I'd settle down, marry a white bread woman, and get an office job like my father.
Now it is 40 years later and I have spent the vast majority of that time serving, studying, and teaching in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. I never got over my infatuation with exotic, non-white bread women. I now have two masters degrees. When getting my masters in Far East Asian Studies, each time I described one more aspect of the "Bird of Paradise" wedding to a colleague whose specialty was the study of Bali culture, he gasped, "That's just like it is in Bali!"
"Jeff Chandler explains to Louis Jordon, 'You must come at night and steal her.' 'But I thought her parents approved of the marriage.' 'They do. But if they freely let her go, it would mean they don't love her and it would be an insult to her.' 'OK, I come and steal her. And we run away together.' 'No. She will scream and fight you.' 'But she loves me and wants to marry me.' 'Yes. But if she goes with you freely, it would mean she doesn't love her parents and it would be an insult.' 'OK. I steal her. She screams and fights me. And I take her away.' 'Yes. But you have to carry her and run fast because I as her brother will grab my spear and alert all the other men in the village and we will try to find you, catch you, and kill you. If we didn't, it would mean we don't care about her and it would be an insult. But don't worry. You will escape and take her to your secret place.' 'What secret? You and the young men of the village helped me build it.' 'Well, on that night, we won't be able t find it. We will get close but we won't find it. And we will be very angry about that and make angry noises all night. That will be your wedding night music.'
Even more than she is in "Broken Arrow", Debra Paget is devoted to her white husband. Someone who when asked if she is ready to jump into the erupting volcano will say, "I have loved and been loved. I am ready." I never did find a woman as fully exotic and as completely devoted to me as the image radiated by Debra Paget in "Broken Arrow," "Bird of Paradise," "Demetrius and the Gladiators," and "The Ten Commandments." But I have been living with the same Asian woman for 31 years. And I am happy.
Now it is 40 years later and I have spent the vast majority of that time serving, studying, and teaching in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. I never got over my infatuation with exotic, non-white bread women. I now have two masters degrees. When getting my masters in Far East Asian Studies, each time I described one more aspect of the "Bird of Paradise" wedding to a colleague whose specialty was the study of Bali culture, he gasped, "That's just like it is in Bali!"
"Jeff Chandler explains to Louis Jordon, 'You must come at night and steal her.' 'But I thought her parents approved of the marriage.' 'They do. But if they freely let her go, it would mean they don't love her and it would be an insult to her.' 'OK, I come and steal her. And we run away together.' 'No. She will scream and fight you.' 'But she loves me and wants to marry me.' 'Yes. But if she goes with you freely, it would mean she doesn't love her parents and it would be an insult.' 'OK. I steal her. She screams and fights me. And I take her away.' 'Yes. But you have to carry her and run fast because I as her brother will grab my spear and alert all the other men in the village and we will try to find you, catch you, and kill you. If we didn't, it would mean we don't care about her and it would be an insult. But don't worry. You will escape and take her to your secret place.' 'What secret? You and the young men of the village helped me build it.' 'Well, on that night, we won't be able t find it. We will get close but we won't find it. And we will be very angry about that and make angry noises all night. That will be your wedding night music.'
Even more than she is in "Broken Arrow", Debra Paget is devoted to her white husband. Someone who when asked if she is ready to jump into the erupting volcano will say, "I have loved and been loved. I am ready." I never did find a woman as fully exotic and as completely devoted to me as the image radiated by Debra Paget in "Broken Arrow," "Bird of Paradise," "Demetrius and the Gladiators," and "The Ten Commandments." But I have been living with the same Asian woman for 31 years. And I am happy.
Bird of Paradise: a teen-age crush and a wasted cultural opportunity
DRchezmoi8 August 2006
I saw this film in the theater when it was first issued. I was 14. I sat through it twice. I became aware that I was not looking at what my friends were looking at. This film cemented my gradually-growing awareness that I was gay. Louis Jourdan was my first teen-age crush.
Much of this film's portrayal of Polynesian culture is authentic and was carefully researched. The "common house" and the fire walk are two examples. But because scholarly research gets embedded here in such an unbelievable story, the film's central message of cross-cultural universality gets seriously diluted. So much more could have been done with the cultural background available. Paget is wooden throughout; her dancing is awful. Chandler's discomfort with his role may well have stemmed from the fact that he was gay in real life and spends much of his screen time in shots together with Jourdan in which both have very little on. Jourdan has little to do but look absolutely gorgeous, a skill at which he shines in every film he made.
Yet this film has much to recommend it. I have enjoyed watching it again tremendously after all these years.
Much of this film's portrayal of Polynesian culture is authentic and was carefully researched. The "common house" and the fire walk are two examples. But because scholarly research gets embedded here in such an unbelievable story, the film's central message of cross-cultural universality gets seriously diluted. So much more could have been done with the cultural background available. Paget is wooden throughout; her dancing is awful. Chandler's discomfort with his role may well have stemmed from the fact that he was gay in real life and spends much of his screen time in shots together with Jourdan in which both have very little on. Jourdan has little to do but look absolutely gorgeous, a skill at which he shines in every film he made.
Yet this film has much to recommend it. I have enjoyed watching it again tremendously after all these years.
Death By Volcano
bkoganbing13 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Having visited Hawaii once I've maintained that it's such a beautiful place it's impossible not to make a beautiful looking film on location there. This remake of Bird Of Paradise has both color cinematography and great Hawaiian locations.
When I reviewed the 1932 version of Bird Of Paradise with Joel McCrea and Dolores DelRio I said it was dated but entertaining. Well it's now even more dated and less entertaining. The story originally started as a Broadway play by Richard Walton Tully and starred the legendary Laurette Taylor and the one thing that Taylor, DelRio, and Debra Paget in this film have in common is the fiery death by volcano that all these women. Otherwise we have three separate plots.
Here Jeff Chandler, native prince of the island is returning to the South Seas accompanied here by Louis Jourdan who is there for a visit, the two of them having gone to school together. Chandler has a sister in Debra Paget and she and Jourdan get to kanoodling hot and heavy.
But it seems that fate is against these two having a life together as all the signs of their animist tradition are against them. In the end that's what defeats them.
As in the 1932 version there is a healthy respect for those native traditions shown in this, less unusual than for the time of the first film. But I have to say it all makes less sense now.
I doubt we'll see another version of this story made.
When I reviewed the 1932 version of Bird Of Paradise with Joel McCrea and Dolores DelRio I said it was dated but entertaining. Well it's now even more dated and less entertaining. The story originally started as a Broadway play by Richard Walton Tully and starred the legendary Laurette Taylor and the one thing that Taylor, DelRio, and Debra Paget in this film have in common is the fiery death by volcano that all these women. Otherwise we have three separate plots.
Here Jeff Chandler, native prince of the island is returning to the South Seas accompanied here by Louis Jourdan who is there for a visit, the two of them having gone to school together. Chandler has a sister in Debra Paget and she and Jourdan get to kanoodling hot and heavy.
But it seems that fate is against these two having a life together as all the signs of their animist tradition are against them. In the end that's what defeats them.
As in the 1932 version there is a healthy respect for those native traditions shown in this, less unusual than for the time of the first film. But I have to say it all makes less sense now.
I doubt we'll see another version of this story made.
A remake that is slightly better than the original.
planktonrules8 July 2022
"Bird of Paradise" is a remake of a 1932 film and both the original and this 1951 remake have something in common....the film is about a Polynesian island but the leads were played by non-Polynesians! This sort of thing was very common until well into the 1960s and I hate it less because I am Mr. Political Correctness but because it just made for some bad performances. And, in the 1951 remake, Jeff Chandler and Debra Paget play Polynesians...and it's pretty obvious they are not the least bit Polynesian. It is sad, as the rest of the cast of Polynesians really are native Hawaiians...and I think both films would have worked better using an all-native cast (except for parts calling for Western actors).
One way the two films are VERY different is that the 1932 version was made during the so-called 'Pre-Code Era'...a time when Hollywood's production code monitoring decency and nudity was not being enforced consistently. During the early 30s, nudity, cursing and much other adult content was pretty common in movies...and the 1932 film was deliberately made to push the envelope. Delores Del Rio (who played the Polynesian girl) swam naked and many natives walked about topless...and viewers likely stared intently hoping to catch some skin. But in the 1951 version, the film is VERY chaste...to the point of actually being ridiculous due to the Produciton Code of 1934. The natives all wear a TON of clothes...something not typical of such islands at all. Realism was sacrificed in order for the film to gain approval for release...something absolutely necessary in 1951. In 1932, in contrast, all sorts of amazingly family-unfriendly things were released. I think both extremes hurt films to a certain extent.
The story begins with a native returning to his island after spending years in America. Tenga (Chandler) is returning with a friend, the Frenchman Andre (Louis Jourdan). Andre is planning on staying several months on a prolonged vacation. But soon after his arrival, the holy man announces that Andre's arrival is NOT a good thing and he must go as soon as possible. Why? He isn't certain...but some sort of evil accompanies him. Soon you learn what this evil is...when Andre falls in love with Tenga's sister (Paget)...and the holy man is sure this romance will result in tragedy. What is this evil and what will happen to their love? See the film to find out for yourself.
I think this remake is superior to the original film...something I rarely find myself saying in reviews. I nearly always prefer the originals. One big reason is that the original only had a few scenes (by the second unit...so it did not involve the stars of the story) filmed in Hawaii...most was filmed on Catalina Island and in sound studios. Catalina Island isn't very Polynesian looking....and the look of the 1951 film is much better since it was made only in Hawaii. I also think the acting was a bit better in this color remake. But the story still suffers from the odd casting decisions and could have been better. Some of this is because the story becomes a bit silly towards the end...with the 'blood river', booming volcano and more! Still, it is modestly entertaining and worth seeing.
One way the two films are VERY different is that the 1932 version was made during the so-called 'Pre-Code Era'...a time when Hollywood's production code monitoring decency and nudity was not being enforced consistently. During the early 30s, nudity, cursing and much other adult content was pretty common in movies...and the 1932 film was deliberately made to push the envelope. Delores Del Rio (who played the Polynesian girl) swam naked and many natives walked about topless...and viewers likely stared intently hoping to catch some skin. But in the 1951 version, the film is VERY chaste...to the point of actually being ridiculous due to the Produciton Code of 1934. The natives all wear a TON of clothes...something not typical of such islands at all. Realism was sacrificed in order for the film to gain approval for release...something absolutely necessary in 1951. In 1932, in contrast, all sorts of amazingly family-unfriendly things were released. I think both extremes hurt films to a certain extent.
The story begins with a native returning to his island after spending years in America. Tenga (Chandler) is returning with a friend, the Frenchman Andre (Louis Jourdan). Andre is planning on staying several months on a prolonged vacation. But soon after his arrival, the holy man announces that Andre's arrival is NOT a good thing and he must go as soon as possible. Why? He isn't certain...but some sort of evil accompanies him. Soon you learn what this evil is...when Andre falls in love with Tenga's sister (Paget)...and the holy man is sure this romance will result in tragedy. What is this evil and what will happen to their love? See the film to find out for yourself.
I think this remake is superior to the original film...something I rarely find myself saying in reviews. I nearly always prefer the originals. One big reason is that the original only had a few scenes (by the second unit...so it did not involve the stars of the story) filmed in Hawaii...most was filmed on Catalina Island and in sound studios. Catalina Island isn't very Polynesian looking....and the look of the 1951 film is much better since it was made only in Hawaii. I also think the acting was a bit better in this color remake. But the story still suffers from the odd casting decisions and could have been better. Some of this is because the story becomes a bit silly towards the end...with the 'blood river', booming volcano and more! Still, it is modestly entertaining and worth seeing.
Cult movie on the Big Island where it was filmed
albeeman17 January 2002
Filmed on the Big Island (Island of Hawaii) at Kalapana and Hilo. The color version film is still played regularly in downtown Hilo where it has always been a cult classic. This great movie is ever poignant where each night you can see the glow of the lava still flowing from Madam Pele's Kilauea Volcano. You never know when you will need another Debra Piaget to jump into the fiery lava and appease the goddess' wrath. Movies just don't get better than this! Aloha indeed!
Don't try to look for perfection where it doesn't exist.
mark.waltz19 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Someone from a so-called civilized world could truly never understand the traditions and values of a natural world where the laws of life are as old as time. For visiting Frenchman Louis Jourdan, his sudden love of what seems to be a beautiful and simple life shows his naivite to the traditions and complexities of this Polynesian island. He falls in love with the beautiful native Debra Paget who loves him back, bur several men warn him that he's playing with fire.
Tribe leader and one time college roommate Jeff Chandler becomes his friend but warns him that if he hurts his sister, he'll kill him. An island outcast introduces him to his children, half Polynesian and now outcasts because of his mistakes. He reports to chiefs Everett Sloane and Maurice Schwartz ("the Kahuna") who make several demands in order to prove that their love is real, one a definite leap to suicide.
This remake of a wonderful 1932 RKO film (based on a 1911 novel) adds Technicolor and advanced technology to make it more cinematic, and result is equally as good as the original, if not great. It's romantic but tragic, certainly proving its point that certain parts of the world aren't meant for everyone to live on. The acting is serviceable yet appropriate, and the mood mystical, spiritual and romantic. This obviously looked great on the big screen, and no matter how silly it seems, it never falls down into unintentional camp.
Tribe leader and one time college roommate Jeff Chandler becomes his friend but warns him that if he hurts his sister, he'll kill him. An island outcast introduces him to his children, half Polynesian and now outcasts because of his mistakes. He reports to chiefs Everett Sloane and Maurice Schwartz ("the Kahuna") who make several demands in order to prove that their love is real, one a definite leap to suicide.
This remake of a wonderful 1932 RKO film (based on a 1911 novel) adds Technicolor and advanced technology to make it more cinematic, and result is equally as good as the original, if not great. It's romantic but tragic, certainly proving its point that certain parts of the world aren't meant for everyone to live on. The acting is serviceable yet appropriate, and the mood mystical, spiritual and romantic. This obviously looked great on the big screen, and no matter how silly it seems, it never falls down into unintentional camp.
I will never forget Kalua!
hans-081847819 May 2008
I will never forget when I saw "Bird of paradise" and I have never forgotten the name Debra Paget. I was 16 years old, it was in 1952 and the movie was shown at the local cinema, a tiny place hiding under the pine trees in the village in mid-Sweden where I grew up. It was a winter evening and I was deeply moved when walking home alone through the snow. Never shall I forget that TERRIBLE moment when Kalua jumped over the edge of the volcano! Oh, no!!! She was so beautiful and I loved her so much. Of course the volcano's eruption immediately stopped when this wonderful woman sacrificed herself for her people. The story represented something frightening and unknown to me, still remembering it after all these years. I tried to understand how parents could think in the way they did, slowly realizing that that there were different ways to look at life out there. Movie at it's best!
Two views of a movie
Julucar11 January 1999
"Todo el encanto de leyendas primitivas en una sinfonía de luz y color. Un himno al amor, a la belleza y a la aventura". With these words the Spanish newspaper "SUR" from Málaga in is issue nº 5249 announced on Saturday 4 October 1952 the release of the film "Bird of Paradise" in the Goya Cinema of this city.
Being then myself 11 years old boy this film met the expectations aroused by the advertisement in "SUR". I saw this movie on Thursday 9 October 1952 and I became extremely impressed by the aesthetic outlook and the contents of the adventure in spite of bitter ending.
Many years later, I saw this movie again on TV and I realised the there were many aspects I missed on my first watching, because they underlie what it was simply descrpitive or visual: the interesting anthropological study of the acculturation. This matter is announced at the beginning of the film. Tenga, a "kanaka" (Jeff Chandler), was unable to adapt to the occidental way of life; André Laurence (Louis Jourdan) is also unable to accept, in spite of this efforts, the way in which a tribal social organization solves the problems presented by wild nature, in this case with the ritual sacrifice of his beloved Kalua (Debra Paget).
Debra Paget's physical performance -gestures, looks, dances- as communitive elements, specially with André, is excellent. Her physical performance expresses very accurately her different states of mind: surprise, gratitude, tenderness, tranquility, happiness, panic, sadness, seduction o complicity with others; all this is in clear opposition with the performance uneasiness of Jeff Chandler. His dance with Noanoa (Mary Ann Ventura) is ghastly.
Being then myself 11 years old boy this film met the expectations aroused by the advertisement in "SUR". I saw this movie on Thursday 9 October 1952 and I became extremely impressed by the aesthetic outlook and the contents of the adventure in spite of bitter ending.
Many years later, I saw this movie again on TV and I realised the there were many aspects I missed on my first watching, because they underlie what it was simply descrpitive or visual: the interesting anthropological study of the acculturation. This matter is announced at the beginning of the film. Tenga, a "kanaka" (Jeff Chandler), was unable to adapt to the occidental way of life; André Laurence (Louis Jourdan) is also unable to accept, in spite of this efforts, the way in which a tribal social organization solves the problems presented by wild nature, in this case with the ritual sacrifice of his beloved Kalua (Debra Paget).
Debra Paget's physical performance -gestures, looks, dances- as communitive elements, specially with André, is excellent. Her physical performance expresses very accurately her different states of mind: surprise, gratitude, tenderness, tranquility, happiness, panic, sadness, seduction o complicity with others; all this is in clear opposition with the performance uneasiness of Jeff Chandler. His dance with Noanoa (Mary Ann Ventura) is ghastly.
I was born and raised in the Hawaiian islands.
Chris-61728 July 1999
My grandmother has told me a lot ancient legend of the Hawaiian islands. In which I do believe in. I've seen the Bird of Paradise movie for the first time when I was in grade school, then the last time as a adult. This movie has a lot to say to the new generation about life. On how to people struggled in those days to live. It also shows how they have Ohana for each other, love, trust, and respect. This is one movie I would like to get. And have my kids and grandkids watch. And understand that in life there will be love, suffering and sacrifices. This movie is a true classic of it's own. As for the actors and actress they have do very well, even if they were not pure hawaiian. And it also show about the jealous of the Kahuna, which it is true if you are not care it can happen. And how Kalua has shown her love for Tenga. She was willing to offer her best friend to him so they can have a child that he wanted. And how she sacrifice her life to save her people from the god of fire who we call Pele. I thank my grandmother for her legends which I do believe in. And I thank the people who did the movie very well. Mahalo
Polynesian Beauty
artzau19 March 2001
I'm an anthropologist and have been one for over 30 years. One of the reasons I decided to study this field, believe it or not, were the island films. They fascinated me as a kid. This one is no exception. I saw it in '51 at least a dozen times. I ate it up and craved more. Also, I lapped up the Dottie Lamour and Jon Hall films as well as Burt Lancaster's His Majesty O'Keefe. Well, truth is I never got to the islands during all of my professional career. The closest was a port of call at Pearl Harbor on the way to Japan when I was in the Navy. But, the portrayal of these people, however flawed in detail it was, started me on the road to finding out about how we humans differ and yet, are really the same. I loved this film. It has much to offer. No, it's not perfect and I concur with the reviewer from Spain on Chandler's wooden dancing, but with that iron-grey hair and dark Jewish face, he did make a convincing Polynesian. Too, let's not overlook the hamboning of old Maurice Schwartz, some good villainous moments by Jack Elam and a dark, mysterious presentation by the veteran actor, Everett Sloane. Jourdan was French and charming and Debra Paget was beautiful. That alone was worth the price of admission.
The movie was not made on Oahu
bill_walaka10 July 2007
The movie was actually filmed in a remote spot on a private estate (my family's) on the Island of Hawaii. For verification note that the Chiefess is Violet Nathanial. She was a life long member of Haili Church in Hilo which is near where the film was made. Her daughter, well into her 80's and remembering few things always remembered the only line her mother had in the film: AHHHH.
Other members of the cast - local extras - were also from Haili Church and generally from the Brown family (Violet Nathanial was a Brown before she married)
The filming location is on a large estate outside of Hilo that remains, more than 50 years later, with the same family and has since been used for one of Hawaii 50 episodes.
Other members of the cast - local extras - were also from Haili Church and generally from the Brown family (Violet Nathanial was a Brown before she married)
The filming location is on a large estate outside of Hilo that remains, more than 50 years later, with the same family and has since been used for one of Hawaii 50 episodes.
45 and never saw a better movie yet!!!!!
yoshiyuki12 April 2002
My family and i just loved this movie when we first saw it over 27 and a half yrs ago. we have not seen another one better. I too can not find this film anywhere.I have searched i don't know how many movie stores their is in hawaii and california and can't find it. The best part of all i love about his film is when kalua rubs her face against that red material in the end when andre is remebering her she looked beyond outstanding, absolutely ravishing, it's a shame they don't have it out on vhs or dvd by now what, on earth is the problem. I must say since that last time i saw that movie i was so glad i was with my family both parents and sisters and brothers if i were to watch it today i'd feel alittle empty because all my sisters and brothers are all over the world with families of their own and both my parents has passed, but i have children and grandchildren i'd love to watch this movie with, one great reason is because their is no violence,no nudity,no swearing,just a good clean home movie. so thank you for letting me express my comments and i hope to see that movie again before my time is over. I highly recommend this movie to anyone both young and old it's a movie you'll never forget............................. aloha
A man from San Juan
calich21 May 2001
Bird of Paradise is a movie that stays in your mind after you see it for its fascinating story,natural sceneries and acting.Debra Paget is so sweet and sweet and sweet in her performance of "Kalua".Just remember the final scene when her lover (Louis Jourdan) is leaving the island after the volcano eruption, and he is thinking and remembering her,and the spectator can see that beautiful sweet smile of Kalua.Jourdan's acting was very good also as the lover. I dont know if the negative of this film has been lost or what.But is a good question why the studios has not released this film already on video.The only one available is the one of the 30's. I think we should have available on VHS and DVD this wonderful 1951 version. An amazing love story.
A beautiful love story.
jrtsrme8 August 2006
This movie is an original "Chick Flick". It is a wonderful mix of beautiful landscapes, great characters, romance, and emotion. Make sure you have a hankie ready, as this is the ultimate tear jerker. They just don't make them like this anymore. Debra Paget is just outright beautiful. Her acting makes you feel all of her character's emotions. A beautiful love story. The music is haunting, and you will be humming it for the rest of the day. I can't say enough about the wonderful storyline. If you enjoy great old movies, then this is a must see. My mother told me about this movie, and now I have shared it with my daughter.
I love this movie!!!
dimps4229 May 2000
Warning: Spoilers
This was a beautifully done picture of Island life, it's superstitions and prejudices. It was mesmerizing and the scenery and music was true to Hawaii. The acting was superb(Jeff Chandler, Louis Jordan, Debra Paget, Jack Elam) all played their roles true to character. This movie has not received the notice and praise it deserves maybe to some it was too pretty or corny. How can that be? The heroine was sacrificed in the end. No fairy tale ending.
And the music It was true Hawaiian sounds and hauntingly beautiful. Does anyone else share my opinion on this movie besides my family?
And the music It was true Hawaiian sounds and hauntingly beautiful. Does anyone else share my opinion on this movie besides my family?
I am a Haole, and ashamed of my race's actions
mamamojo557 March 2006
Yes, I've seen the movie too and loved it. I loved the story line of a simple, happy people who could have done a lot better if the Haole would have just stayed out! Now look at what the White man has done to those beautiful islands of paradise. Everywhere you look now, you see the white man's influence. Very little is left of the true Polynesians depicted in this movie. I just think its appalling that the white man has to destroy every culture, every race, every way of life just to benefit his own greedy lust! Why can't we just leave things alone? Why do we always feel we have to change things? To the people, ancestors, and spirits of a long ago people, I apologize for my race for what we have done to your world. I wish you peace and happiness and love.
Bird of Paradise
polkemax1 February 2008
I, too, saw this many years ago. I actually have a few years on you, Yoshiyuki, as I'm 57. I saw it around 1960, maybe a little before. I've been looking for it for YEARS, too, but somewhere along the line I got confused and thought the name was "Isle of Paradise", so thanks to you, I've gotten straight on that! I hope we both have luck in finding it soon. I don't believe I've ever seen the earlier version, from 1932. Another movie I'm looking for is The Crowd Roars, starring Robert Taylor. A bit older movie from the late 1930s. These 2 movies are my favorites from long ago and it would mean SO MUCH to find them. I have such fond memories of both these films.
Bird of Paradise 1951
gilbert-chevy29 April 2009
I am wondering if this movie will be done in DVD. My family is in this movie, my Dad, Aunties, Uncles and cousins...many of whom my children do not know. I am always sharing about this movie with them, and would love the opportunity to own it, watch it, and share it with my family. The reason I am writing to you, is that my Mom told me today, that one of our cousins has the movie, in VHS form, and they were watching it last night. My Dad, he is the boy at the end of the movie running down the aisle. My Aunty Violet, she is my great grand Aunty, and she played the Chiefess and I remember spending time with her, before she passed away. My grandfather is the last of the 5th generation in our family, and it would be wonderful to own and share this move with our family. I know that if this movie came out, many, many of the family members would be purchasing this memoir. Please let me know...thank you very much.
Most memorable movie I have seen.
wissa17711 March 2006
I saw this movie "Bird of Paradise" many years ago.It left such a deep impression on me,it will be forever my favorite movie. I don't go to the movies anymore,I don't like the sex and violence and the attitude that is going on. I wished I could buy a DVD or Video of the movie,to show it to my children and grandchildren.I have told them so much about the movie,they would like to see it too. Why don't they make movies like that anymore? It touched my heart so deeply. The actors were still very individual,nowadays they look almost alike.The music was so special,so unforgettable.The story was very romantic,had truly innocent love.The location was a dream,-everything was so great.I have seen many movies in my life,but none of them were so unforgettable.
Beautiful and underrated!
honus76024 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
From my early growing up, I remember Bird of Paradise as one of the truly beautiful love stories of the screen. Debra Paget is simply gorgeous as the island girl Kalua who gets involved in doomed relationship with Louis Jourdan. The island spirits do not smile on the couple as you would hope. Jeff Chandler plays Kalua's ever watchful brother who has doubts about the affair from the beginning. You will need to watch for yourself to see how it all turns out and as you do, you will be treated to beautiful island scenery, a stunning and gorgeous musical score and pretty decent acting from all concerned. The volcano effects are impressive for its time. I'm only sorry that film has not received very much air time and the DVD versions are severely under par. I would like to see Fox or someone take hold of this classic and dress it up in a restored format to bring out all the beauty and tragedy of our doomed characters.
The ultimate South Pacific film of beauty, love, Polynesian people and nature and their hard conditions
clanciai27 December 2023
It's a lovely film, no one could possibly deny it, and it is graced by the honestly romantic acting by Jeff Chandler (always one of my favourites), Louis Jourdan (still young and dashing) and the lovely Debra Paget, who was expert on roles like this and made many of them, usually tragic. But the most interesting issue of the film is the Taboo problem, how this superstition actually ruled the lives of the South Sea people and could impose such an overpowering influence that no reason or common sense could withstand it with often disastrous and fatal consequences, which no one could control, not even the high priests or the chieftains, which Louis Jourdan as a guest on the island has to experience with bitter anguish; and still he leaves the island with only love left in his heart for the people, their way of life and their beauty. The film is unforgettable for its beauty and charm, it brings you in close contact with the Polynesians and the old ways of their life, and you can but share Louis Jourdan's feelings of endless melancholy as he leaves it all and will miss it for the rest of his life.
This movie haunted me for years
rebecca-d-morris20 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie in the early 1960s when it was played in black and white on television on "Saturday Night at the Movies." I was in my early teens and very impressionable. I wept at the sacrifice of the heroine at the ending. I had nightmares about volcanic eruptions. I fell in love with the Polynesian island settings and culture. When I can squeeze in vacation time, I always want to head to Hawaii. More than 40 years later, despite the fact I've never seen this movie again, it still lives vividly in my memory. It would probably seem "cheesy" and outdated today, but I'd love to see it again. If it's still showing next time I travel to Hilo, I'll try to see it.
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