"The Beachcomber" isn't exactly the most extravagant of British films. The background projection which supposedly represents real locations, becomes painfully obvious from the start. The interior sets look tolerable but the murky colour is a disappointment.
At least the film has a good pace, a fair degree of incident, some humourous moments and another unforgettable performance from Robert Newton! On more than one occasion, this unfairly neglected actor managed to salvage the most tedious of movies with his acting and personality. So he does here. It is rather unfortunate that Robert Newton would live only another two years after "The Beachcomber" came out in 1954. He had been largely reduced to playing caricatures of his real self. In my opinion, he is easily the equal of Olivier, Guinness, Richardson and Gielgud. The supporting cast are a dull bunch and look as though they qualify for being bank clerks! Donald Pleasence does ok in the limited screen time he has.
I enjoyed the scenes where Newton and his leading lady, Glynis Johns are having to spend the night together on the same island. Very amusing interplay between them.
Review of The Beachcomber
