moonspinner55 After studying in the States, 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. Adapted and directed by Delmer Daves, the splendor of native life is given a frisky, romantic allure--until the last act when an angry volcano erupts (mostly via stock footage). What might have become a heavy mix of soap and masochism is brought off well by Daves, who mounts the proceedings with grand melodramatic style. Stars 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 this 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--than he was on the technical aspects. As such, it's a better, more emotional picture than its predecessor, and certainly the music by Daniele Amfitheatrof and Ken Darby is a wonderful asset. **1/2 from ****

calich Anyone knows why the studios have not release yet on video the 1951 version of "BIRD OF PARADISE"? I have been looking for this film and all what I have been said is that the studio has not released it yet.This is a beautiful movie with all the ingredients such as the locations scenes,I think is Hawaii,the colors,the music,the acting specially Debra Paget and Louis Jourdan and the touching love story in it. I don't care if the movie is released on VHS or DVD. Just is about time this film is available to us.

banse I recently watched the 1951 version of "Bird Of Paradise" on cable TV and enjoyed it once again. Directed by Delmer Daves this exotic tale of forbidden love has the usual native customs, rituals, an active volcano and even a Kahuna to hold your interest. The players including Debra Paget, Jeff Chandler and Louis Jourdan handle their roles adequately. Highlights include the breathtaking beauty of Debra Paget as the lovely Kalua and the stunning cinematography by Winton Cittoch accented by the original music of Daniele Ampitheatrof. Footnote: Natural beauty Mary Ann Ventura played Chandler's wife in this her only film and the evil Kahuna was played by non-other than Maurice Schwartz.

John Seal 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!).