Because this movie was made at a time when there was still a Hays Code and that much of America was segregated, you won't get much passion out of the interracial teamings of either Dorothy Dandridge/John Justin (though there's some close embraces) nor Harry Belafonte/Joan Fontaine (he's too intense, she's too reserved). Also, the romance between Joan Collins and Stephan Boyd isn't much to write about either (though they do share a kiss). Anyway, this is mainly about James Mason's plantation character and his debates with Belafonte's labor leader character, his jealousy of his wife's (Patricia Owens) supposed affair with a counsel diplomat (Michael Rennie), and his and sister Collins' reaction to a family secret revealed from a reporter and confirmed by their parents (Diana Wynyard and Basil Sydney). Along the way, there's an officer (John Williams) cracking a murder case...With what I just mentioned, there should have been some fireworks but-other than some exciting close calls staged by director Robert Rossen-it's mostly dull with droning dialogue provided by Alfred Hayes as adapted from Alec Waugh's novel. Still, there are a couple of good songs written and performed by Belafonte and a nice dance by Dandridge and also a compelling confrontation between Mason and Belafonte at a speech rally. So on that note, Island in the Sun is at the least worth a look. P.S. The DVD has excellent commentary by historian John Stanley.
41 Reviews
It's Freddie Young's impressive Cinemascope photography of the tropical paradise that really dominates the film
Nazi_Fighter_David5 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
At the center is Santa Marta, an imaginary small island in the British West Indies
Leading the story is David Boyeur (HarryBelafonte), a homegrown revolutionary, whose skin is his country
But the issue here is not just one of color
The issue here is who is really best fit to represent the people in the colorful island? Who knows them the best? Who feels for them the most? Who's really a part of them? On the other hand, one of the other important fights, for Boyeur, is against tradition as Santa Marta shackles with traditions
Sizzling around the edges is Mavis Norman (Joan Fontaine) who happens to be in love with this charismatic leader Mavis Norman feels that he is superior to most men
As a public figure, there is Maxwell Fleury (James Mason) who seeks the election to revenge himself upon the whites whom he now thinks despise him Fleury is ready to use the black people so that he can still rule in that world that he still belongs to
Delving into his personal life, we see him jealous of Hilary Carson (Michael Rennie), the gentlemanly English drifter Fleury envies him because he thinks that his wife (Patricia Owens) is attracted to him Blind by love, he thinks that his wife had fall in love with Carson who is better suited to her
There is also Euan Templeton (Stephen Boyd), the governor's son, who wants to be married before he goes back to England His fiancé, Jocelyn Fleury (Joan Collins), is the most difficult person to get a wedding ring on for some powerful reason Caught in a tangle of rumors, she comes out to her mother (Diana Wynyard) who placates her by revealing a secret of her own...
There's also the governor's aide Denis Archer (John Justin) who thinks that there's always a point at the beginning of a love affair where a man can draw back, where he's still safe His love interest Margot Seaton (Dorothy Dandridge) delivers some of the film's best moments
And let us not forget the police inspector John Williamsin a really outstanding performancewho easily identifies an unpremeditated murder Colonel Whittingham considers the murderer not strong enough to bear the burden of his guilt But to tell you more would be to reveal too much too soon
Robert Rossen manages a few winningly odd performances from Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and John Williams whose presence give the film some strong dramatic qualities
Sizzling around the edges is Mavis Norman (Joan Fontaine) who happens to be in love with this charismatic leader Mavis Norman feels that he is superior to most men
As a public figure, there is Maxwell Fleury (James Mason) who seeks the election to revenge himself upon the whites whom he now thinks despise him Fleury is ready to use the black people so that he can still rule in that world that he still belongs to
Delving into his personal life, we see him jealous of Hilary Carson (Michael Rennie), the gentlemanly English drifter Fleury envies him because he thinks that his wife (Patricia Owens) is attracted to him Blind by love, he thinks that his wife had fall in love with Carson who is better suited to her
There is also Euan Templeton (Stephen Boyd), the governor's son, who wants to be married before he goes back to England His fiancé, Jocelyn Fleury (Joan Collins), is the most difficult person to get a wedding ring on for some powerful reason Caught in a tangle of rumors, she comes out to her mother (Diana Wynyard) who placates her by revealing a secret of her own...
There's also the governor's aide Denis Archer (John Justin) who thinks that there's always a point at the beginning of a love affair where a man can draw back, where he's still safe His love interest Margot Seaton (Dorothy Dandridge) delivers some of the film's best moments
And let us not forget the police inspector John Williamsin a really outstanding performancewho easily identifies an unpremeditated murder Colonel Whittingham considers the murderer not strong enough to bear the burden of his guilt But to tell you more would be to reveal too much too soon
Robert Rossen manages a few winningly odd performances from Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and John Williams whose presence give the film some strong dramatic qualities
Beautiful but disappointing
Tashtago24 March 2008
Island in the Sun is credited by others as the first movie to star an interracial couple. It was made in 1957 the same year as Sayonara in which Marlon Brando, Red Buttons, and James Garner are all involved in interracial romances with Japanese women. Also there is a Barbara Stanwyck film from I believe the 1930's where she is involved with a Chinese man so this is not the first interracial romance. Generally I would agree with what others have said about this movie. A beautiful looking dud, filled with beautiful people. Unlike others however I would blame the director and editor, rather than the script for the problem. In countless number of occasions the film dissolves to a slow fade just as the action is reaching it's dramatic peak. As in James Mason's attempted suicide, his wife comes into the room sees the gun and ..... dissolve to next scene. Terrible. The cat and mouse , Crime and Punishment murder subplot gives the film some vigor but then peters out in a very predictable way. A great cast , and great scenery photographed by Freddie Young ( Lawrence of Arabia) all of it wasted.
Richly entertaining...
jeldridg271 March 2015
Very easy to imagine this happening throughout the world. The setting of the film (island) creates the microcosm that drives the conflicts of the plot, much like Casablanca. The theme of desire throughout the film helps this wonderful cast create characters you can enjoy and understand, their motives quite transparent. The scene with Harry Belafonte (David Boyeur) singing with the fishermen hauling in the nets stands out. John Williams, who is always brilliant in such roles, works his magic to provoke and entrap James Mason's Maxwell Fleury into confessing his murder. Dorothy Dandridge is lovely as Margot, and the subplot of her love affair keeps the hope for happy endings alive in the film. The cinematography helps to develop the exotic yet isolating setting, and the sets do well to set the tone of the lifestyle (luxurious) of the prominent characters who live under the mercy of desire in the human condition. The themes of this film transcend its setting, and I imagine this film to have been quite enlightening to those who viewed it in 1957. Really enjoyed this film, even in its length.
1950s tale of interracial relationships and racial tensions on a British Caribbean island.
oneflighthoop30 April 2005
This was a very unique movie for Hollywood in the 1950s because it explored interracial relationships from both a political as well as romantic perspective. No doubt, it made audiences extremely uncomfortable.
The cast is very strong (with Dorothy Dandridge, Joan Fontaine, John Williams and James Mason--who never disappoints,) and the storyline both intriguing and unpredictable. Harry Belafonte portrays a proud, outspoken labor leader who fights racial injustice on a British Caribbean island, but this is only a secondary plot line. The "forbidden fruit" of interracial relationships is explored from several different perspectives giving this movie an important place in the history of American Cinema. Although racism and class-ism are common elements, the characters are empathetically portrayed. This movie was released in Jim Crow America and, younger viewers may not fully appreciate its' unique portrayal of Blacks in non-subservient roles. Blacks were typically cast as inarticulate maids and butlers, but Dorothy Dandridge (nominated as Best Actress for Carmen Jones in 1954) and Harry Belafonte (a top ten pop singer) were particularly stunning and sophisticated, an anomaly for Black actors in films roles at the time. Nevertheless, Belafonte's acting is often stilted, revealing that this was an early role while Dandridge's character lacks depth--though her acting superb, given that she has been given so little with which to work.
An important side note is that Harry Belafonte was a top-selling West Indian Calyso singer (Day-0-The Banana Boat Song) at the time that this movie was released and performed the title song. In addition to making a strong political statement about the need for racial justice--via his character in this film--he also was a high-profile figure within the Civil Rights Movement, marching with the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King.
The cast is very strong (with Dorothy Dandridge, Joan Fontaine, John Williams and James Mason--who never disappoints,) and the storyline both intriguing and unpredictable. Harry Belafonte portrays a proud, outspoken labor leader who fights racial injustice on a British Caribbean island, but this is only a secondary plot line. The "forbidden fruit" of interracial relationships is explored from several different perspectives giving this movie an important place in the history of American Cinema. Although racism and class-ism are common elements, the characters are empathetically portrayed. This movie was released in Jim Crow America and, younger viewers may not fully appreciate its' unique portrayal of Blacks in non-subservient roles. Blacks were typically cast as inarticulate maids and butlers, but Dorothy Dandridge (nominated as Best Actress for Carmen Jones in 1954) and Harry Belafonte (a top ten pop singer) were particularly stunning and sophisticated, an anomaly for Black actors in films roles at the time. Nevertheless, Belafonte's acting is often stilted, revealing that this was an early role while Dandridge's character lacks depth--though her acting superb, given that she has been given so little with which to work.
An important side note is that Harry Belafonte was a top-selling West Indian Calyso singer (Day-0-The Banana Boat Song) at the time that this movie was released and performed the title song. In addition to making a strong political statement about the need for racial justice--via his character in this film--he also was a high-profile figure within the Civil Rights Movement, marching with the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King.
Good movie!
DottiezBiggestFan7 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I actually liked this movie. It doesn't seem to get as much credit as it should, seeing that it is the first movie to ever star an interracial couple (between the beautiful Dorothy Dandridge and the cute John Justin. Also, would've been between much older, but good actress Joan Fontaine and handsome Harry Belafonte). The scenery is beautiful and the plot is very good, but I think it's the storyline and script that make it so bad. It really doesn't count for a romance seeing that Ms. Dandridge and Mr. Justin were hardly aloud to touch each other and another character got pregnant out of wedlock, who was white. But this if you want a great movie with a beautiful tropical set (filmed on location in the Caribbean), interracial romance, suspense, mystery, a little singing, race relations, and politics, I suggest this movie.
A soapy film about an island in the final days of colonialism
planktonrules20 February 2017
"Island in the Sun" was filmed in Barbados and Grenada, though it's about a fictional British colonial island...roughly like Barbados or Grenada! In many ways, it's a film about the racism inherent in colonialism and in other ways is a soap opera set on a tropical island. It also features something shocking for its time...and interracial romance between Joan Fontaine and Harry Belafonte...something which, sadly, caused a bit of a commotion when it debuted.
The movie is odd in that it seems to have many, many plots...too many for my taste. Much of it involves the Fleury family-- especially the incredibly strange character played by James Mason. But in addition to the Fleurys, there are many others--and the common thread to all of this is soapy romance. Many of the romances are interracial and the stories thrust seems to be that with the ending of colonialism comes the elimination of racial boundaries in love.
As I mentioned, I actually think the film has too many plots. I also thought Mason's character was enough for one film....so either the film should have been all about him OR they should have eliminated him completely. Regardless, it's a confusing sort of film--with many excellent moments but not nearly enough focus. Decent but the film could have been so, so much better...especially since so many things that are brought up in this film are important and deserve a better presentation.
The movie is odd in that it seems to have many, many plots...too many for my taste. Much of it involves the Fleury family-- especially the incredibly strange character played by James Mason. But in addition to the Fleurys, there are many others--and the common thread to all of this is soapy romance. Many of the romances are interracial and the stories thrust seems to be that with the ending of colonialism comes the elimination of racial boundaries in love.
As I mentioned, I actually think the film has too many plots. I also thought Mason's character was enough for one film....so either the film should have been all about him OR they should have eliminated him completely. Regardless, it's a confusing sort of film--with many excellent moments but not nearly enough focus. Decent but the film could have been so, so much better...especially since so many things that are brought up in this film are important and deserve a better presentation.
Odd Man-and Woman-Out
sol-kay27 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** Never ending soap opera that takes place on the fictional Caribbean island of Santa Marta involving arrogant white plantation,of coffee beans and sugar cane, owner the insecure and high strung Maxwell Fleury, James Mason. Maxwell always felt that he was considered by his late father as a second stringer, in the Fleury clan, to his dead older brother, killed in WWII, the highly respected and looked up to Arthur.
Maxwell's insecurity starts to get the best of him when he suspects his wife Sylvia, Patricia Owens, of having a secret affair with roving British diplomat and adventure Hilary Carson, Michael Rennie, when he spotted him leaving the Fleury Mansion in a huff while leaving a clue to him being there behind: A half smoked Egyptian cigarette something that only Carson, and no one else on Santa Marta, smokes. Maxwell is also worried about black labor leader David Boyeur, Harry Belafonte, who's stirring up trouble at his plantation by demanding that the native workers get their fair share of the profits, in labor costs, as well respect from their white, Maxwell Fleury, overlord.
Meanwhile while this is all going on there's a number of mixed, between blacks and whites, love affairs spinning out of control notably with handsome British embassy worker Denis Archer, John Justin, and pretty half-breed island native Margot Seaton, Dorothy Dandridge, who works as a cashier at the local Santa Marta drug store. What makes things even worse is that Margot just happens to be labor leader Boyeur's girlfriend! And to complicate things even more Boyeur is starting to get it on with royally bread and lily white, she seems to glow in the dark, British socialite Mavis Norman, Joan Fontaine, who's just nuts about him while he's, in not trying to stray from his people and heritage, trying like hell not to fall in love with her! We of course can't overlook the hot and steamy affair going on between Maxwell's younger sister Jocelyn and war hero and British Aristocratic Euan Tempelton, Stephen Boyd, who's old man is a major maker and shaker back in Jolly Old England and a good friend of the Royal Family.
****SPOILER ALERT**** All this fooling, as well as horsing, around comes to a sudden and tragic end when the truth-through an exclusive newspaper article-comes out about Maxwell, as well as Jocelyn's, genetic backgrounds that involves their dad Julian's, Basil Sydney, real mother who's identity, or racial background, he had hidden all these years. This sets off a number of ugly events that leads Maxwell to go completely bananas as well as, in the case of poor Hilary Carson, homicidal. It also has Julian's wife, Diana Wynyard, reveal to her distraught daughter Jocelyn, in order to keep her upcoming marriage to Euan from being deep sixth-ed, that she isn't really her father's daughter! What a Relief!
Well anyway in the end everybody-in the cast-is happy the way the movie "Island in the Sun" turned out with both love, in the case of Euan Denis and their girlfriends Jocelyn & Margot, winning out over ignorance and prejudice. In the case of the by now ready for the funny farm Maxwell Fleury he finally saw the light in what he did, to the drunk on his feet Hilary Carson, and gladly accepted the consequences. As for David & Mavis they went their separate ways knowing full well that fate would not be kind to them if they didn't.
Maxwell's insecurity starts to get the best of him when he suspects his wife Sylvia, Patricia Owens, of having a secret affair with roving British diplomat and adventure Hilary Carson, Michael Rennie, when he spotted him leaving the Fleury Mansion in a huff while leaving a clue to him being there behind: A half smoked Egyptian cigarette something that only Carson, and no one else on Santa Marta, smokes. Maxwell is also worried about black labor leader David Boyeur, Harry Belafonte, who's stirring up trouble at his plantation by demanding that the native workers get their fair share of the profits, in labor costs, as well respect from their white, Maxwell Fleury, overlord.
Meanwhile while this is all going on there's a number of mixed, between blacks and whites, love affairs spinning out of control notably with handsome British embassy worker Denis Archer, John Justin, and pretty half-breed island native Margot Seaton, Dorothy Dandridge, who works as a cashier at the local Santa Marta drug store. What makes things even worse is that Margot just happens to be labor leader Boyeur's girlfriend! And to complicate things even more Boyeur is starting to get it on with royally bread and lily white, she seems to glow in the dark, British socialite Mavis Norman, Joan Fontaine, who's just nuts about him while he's, in not trying to stray from his people and heritage, trying like hell not to fall in love with her! We of course can't overlook the hot and steamy affair going on between Maxwell's younger sister Jocelyn and war hero and British Aristocratic Euan Tempelton, Stephen Boyd, who's old man is a major maker and shaker back in Jolly Old England and a good friend of the Royal Family.
****SPOILER ALERT**** All this fooling, as well as horsing, around comes to a sudden and tragic end when the truth-through an exclusive newspaper article-comes out about Maxwell, as well as Jocelyn's, genetic backgrounds that involves their dad Julian's, Basil Sydney, real mother who's identity, or racial background, he had hidden all these years. This sets off a number of ugly events that leads Maxwell to go completely bananas as well as, in the case of poor Hilary Carson, homicidal. It also has Julian's wife, Diana Wynyard, reveal to her distraught daughter Jocelyn, in order to keep her upcoming marriage to Euan from being deep sixth-ed, that she isn't really her father's daughter! What a Relief!
Well anyway in the end everybody-in the cast-is happy the way the movie "Island in the Sun" turned out with both love, in the case of Euan Denis and their girlfriends Jocelyn & Margot, winning out over ignorance and prejudice. In the case of the by now ready for the funny farm Maxwell Fleury he finally saw the light in what he did, to the drunk on his feet Hilary Carson, and gladly accepted the consequences. As for David & Mavis they went their separate ways knowing full well that fate would not be kind to them if they didn't.
Of Historical Interest
harry-7622 February 1999
The main reason and pleasure of reviewing this film today, is to enjoy the very good cast in a beautiful setting. Here are some stars in their physical prime: James Mason, Harry Belafonte, Joan Fontaine, Joan Collins, Stephen Boyd, and last but certainly not least, the gorgeous Dorothy Dandridge. All in a lovely tropical setting. Ignore the script (which is admittedly a dud) and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Worth sitting through the racial tensions to hear Harry Belafonte sing
moonspinner554 April 2002
The wealthy whites are the hissable ones once again, lording their money-driven power over the black Caribbean field workers in this timely but talky issue-film. The Barbados locations are just beautiful, and so is Harry Belafonte's buttery voice, crooning Jamaican songs at sunset (his acting isn't bad either, and his relationship with Joan Fontaine is surprisingly chummy--if not especially romantic). The love story sidebars are soapy but not dull, and they give the film what passion it has. The heated racial debates haven't dated, giving the film some relevance, but who needs them? (Certainly not the principal audience targeted for this windswept travelogue). What we really want to see is more of Belafonte. He was at a peak here, and since he didn't get to use his own singing voice in "Carmen Jones", this is a great chance to watch and hear him perform unfettered. **1/2 from ****
Strong cast, weak story, vague look at race relations in Caribbean...
Doylenf27 September 2006
Alec Waugh's novel dealt with murder, incest, racism and other assorted social problems including politics--and one would think that the film made from his best-selling novel would have to be something really important and vastly entertaining. Sorry--not so. The script is a major dud requiring a viewer to sit through two hours of boredom relieved only by a chance to gape at some nice scenery.
The actors have all done better work elsewhere--and that includes JAMES MASON, HARRY BELAFONTE, JOAN FONTAINE, JOAN COLLINS, STEPHEN BOYD, PATRICIA OWEN and DOROTHY DANDRIDGE. At the time of release it may have stirred up some controversy because of the racial theme but none of the love interest is graphic enough to quicken anyone's pulse, then or now.
The Fontaine/Belafonte match suffers from poor writing and she looks vaguely uncomfortable in her role most of the time. It all comes off as cheap soap opera material, cleansed of any serious look or discussion of racial problems among the upper and middle class set depicted in the film.
But what matters most of all is that the film is a boring mess, long and very undistinguished despite its stellar cast.
The actors have all done better work elsewhere--and that includes JAMES MASON, HARRY BELAFONTE, JOAN FONTAINE, JOAN COLLINS, STEPHEN BOYD, PATRICIA OWEN and DOROTHY DANDRIDGE. At the time of release it may have stirred up some controversy because of the racial theme but none of the love interest is graphic enough to quicken anyone's pulse, then or now.
The Fontaine/Belafonte match suffers from poor writing and she looks vaguely uncomfortable in her role most of the time. It all comes off as cheap soap opera material, cleansed of any serious look or discussion of racial problems among the upper and middle class set depicted in the film.
But what matters most of all is that the film is a boring mess, long and very undistinguished despite its stellar cast.
I have never forgotten this movie!
inxs-120 January 2009
This came out when I was 9 and my cousin and I saw it at a theater 7 times! It was the first time I gave any attention to an adult movie! I have seen it a few times over the last many years and It still is provocative to me. When I was 9 I did not fully understand the interracial thing, and I was brought up to ignore color. What I remember was imagining what happened when the film faded out at the height of intense moments. What me imagine happening is far worse than anything they could ever show on film. that fact that it was shot in a beautiful location was not lost on my 9 year old mind and for years dreamed of living in a beautiful island paradise. The music ie: title song I learned every word! Unlike others who saw this 30 years later and through adult eyes with agendas of their own, I lived the editing, the acting and the photography. I sometimes think people expect to much out of a movie. It is after all, just entertainment! Watch this movie, without preconceived notions of script, editing, story etc, enjoy it!
New found black heritage
bkoganbing1 August 2015
Having never read the book I can't comment on it, but it seems that the political implications of Alec Waugh's novel was largely sacrificed for the romance. Island In The Sun is a big old romance novel set in a British crown colony just as the United Kingdom was getting shed of its colonial empire. The island at one time was a part of the French empire to explain the name of Fleury as one of the island's big plantation owners. Their romantic entanglements form the basis of the novel.
Basil Sydney and Diana Wynyard are the head of the Fleurys and they have two surviving children James Mason and Joan Collins. Mason is married to Patricia Owens and he suspects her of having an affair with a rather dissolute, but charming doctor Michael Rennie. Collins is kanoodling big time with Stephen Boyd the governor's son and would be peer. The governor's aide John Justin is having a fling with Dorothy Dandridge. But most shocking of all another plantation heiress Joan Fontaine is considering taking up with Harry Belafonte who sings a couple of Jamaican ballads which is always good.
That interracial kiss between Belafonte and Fontaine was daring and groundbreaking and no doubt Island In The Sun had zero bookings in the American South. How silly we were back then.
A story about the Fleury family reveals that Sydney's grandmother was black though I'm sure she could have passed. That sets in motion some radical reassessment of the family's status. They still have their money, but not entry into some of the best homes. Mason who has decided to stand for the local parliament with his opponent being Belafonte tries to exploit his new found black heritage with disastrous results. It ends in tragedy, but also in a strange twist happiness for one of the Fleurys as it is discovered the parents have their secrets.
Harry Belafonte and James Mason stand out in this film. Belafonte has some real screen charisma. As for Mason his is a complex role of a strange man with a brooding inferiority complex that was acting out even before the news of his great grandmother.
And of course the West Indies looks nice. I'm sure the original novel had more of the political situation of the time in it. Island In The Sun the movie drained most of that and we get a tropical soap opera instead.
Basil Sydney and Diana Wynyard are the head of the Fleurys and they have two surviving children James Mason and Joan Collins. Mason is married to Patricia Owens and he suspects her of having an affair with a rather dissolute, but charming doctor Michael Rennie. Collins is kanoodling big time with Stephen Boyd the governor's son and would be peer. The governor's aide John Justin is having a fling with Dorothy Dandridge. But most shocking of all another plantation heiress Joan Fontaine is considering taking up with Harry Belafonte who sings a couple of Jamaican ballads which is always good.
That interracial kiss between Belafonte and Fontaine was daring and groundbreaking and no doubt Island In The Sun had zero bookings in the American South. How silly we were back then.
A story about the Fleury family reveals that Sydney's grandmother was black though I'm sure she could have passed. That sets in motion some radical reassessment of the family's status. They still have their money, but not entry into some of the best homes. Mason who has decided to stand for the local parliament with his opponent being Belafonte tries to exploit his new found black heritage with disastrous results. It ends in tragedy, but also in a strange twist happiness for one of the Fleurys as it is discovered the parents have their secrets.
Harry Belafonte and James Mason stand out in this film. Belafonte has some real screen charisma. As for Mason his is a complex role of a strange man with a brooding inferiority complex that was acting out even before the news of his great grandmother.
And of course the West Indies looks nice. I'm sure the original novel had more of the political situation of the time in it. Island In The Sun the movie drained most of that and we get a tropical soap opera instead.
Island in the Sun is Far From Paradise **
edwagreen15 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Disappointing film dealing with life in the Caribbean.
The film might have fared better if it had been a musical.
The movie marked the re-teaming of Harry Belafonte and the late Dorothy Dandridge from "Carmen Jones" fame 3 years before. Belafonte sings well at the beginning before this film evolves into too many plots, pregnancy, murder, racial tension, politics, etc. The subject matter is totally uneven and the film suffers as a result. Dandridge was never weaker before in any of her brief film career. She evokes little to no emotion and the luster of Carmen, 3 years before, is totally gone.
There is entirely too much going on here. James Mason is caught up in a killing, running for political office, and facing the reality that he is partially black. Belafonte loves Joan Fontaine, of all people, but by the end can't marry her due to racial-political considerations on the island. Joan Collins loves Stephen Boyd, he is given so little to do here, but he will be in The House of Lords, so how can she marry him if their children might be black. (Collins and Mason are brother and sister in this Peyton Place circus-atmosphere.)
To complicate matters still further, old timer Diana Wynyard, an Oscar nominee for 1933's "Cavalcade," appears in the film as the mother of Collins and Mason. She is effective in the part but the plot twists again when it is revealed that she had Collins from another man.
Robert Rossen who directed this mess, did so much better years before with his winning "All the King's Men." That 1949 Oscar winner for best picture stuck with basically one theme. This one is all over the mull berry bush.
The film might have fared better if it had been a musical.
The movie marked the re-teaming of Harry Belafonte and the late Dorothy Dandridge from "Carmen Jones" fame 3 years before. Belafonte sings well at the beginning before this film evolves into too many plots, pregnancy, murder, racial tension, politics, etc. The subject matter is totally uneven and the film suffers as a result. Dandridge was never weaker before in any of her brief film career. She evokes little to no emotion and the luster of Carmen, 3 years before, is totally gone.
There is entirely too much going on here. James Mason is caught up in a killing, running for political office, and facing the reality that he is partially black. Belafonte loves Joan Fontaine, of all people, but by the end can't marry her due to racial-political considerations on the island. Joan Collins loves Stephen Boyd, he is given so little to do here, but he will be in The House of Lords, so how can she marry him if their children might be black. (Collins and Mason are brother and sister in this Peyton Place circus-atmosphere.)
To complicate matters still further, old timer Diana Wynyard, an Oscar nominee for 1933's "Cavalcade," appears in the film as the mother of Collins and Mason. She is effective in the part but the plot twists again when it is revealed that she had Collins from another man.
Robert Rossen who directed this mess, did so much better years before with his winning "All the King's Men." That 1949 Oscar winner for best picture stuck with basically one theme. This one is all over the mull berry bush.
Intruiging, but not well developed
BLG-29 February 2001
Hollywood was clearly not ready for this type of drama, which is full of compromise. Screen lovers Dorothy Dandridge and John Justin are clearly not allowed to kiss. Ditto for Joan Fontaine and Harry Belafonte (incidentally, Fontaine's comment about the two of them being children together should have been left out; she looks good, but it's still obvious that she's a good ten years older than he.)
island in the sun
mossgrymk18 October 2020
Like directorRobert Rossen's later work, "Lilith", this film is at first dismissed as a total mess but then you start to re-evaluate it and by the time you're done you've elevated it into the somewhat loftier realm of interesting failure. To begin with the obvious flaws: 1) It was made 15 years too soon. If it had appeared around 1973, when there were beginning to be numerous sources of independent film financing, then it would not have had to worry, as Darryl Zanuck did at Fox, about distribution in the American South and you wouldn't have had those embarrassingly tepid "love scenes" between Joan Fontaine and Harry Belafonte and the slightly steamier Dorothy Dandridge/John Justin. 2) Alfred Hayes' script is too damn long and has too many needless subplots. The one between Joan Collins and Stephen Boyd, two of Hollywood's less compelling actors, is especially enervating. 3) Rossen shamefully neglects what could have been a fascinating study in Carribean political intrigue. The one scene of electoral drama is the rally at the docks with dueling speeches by James Mason and Belafonte. Its power is an indication that there should have been more such stuff, especially from the director of "All The Kings Men." Now the interesting aspects: 1) Wonderful studies of decadence, poignance, and excessive pride from Mason, Joan Fontaine and Belafonte. Indeed, it is not a stretch to say that these first two have rarely been better and the third, never. 2) Wonderful, lush cinematography from Freddy Young that ironically contrasts with and thus visually comments on the internal rot of many of the characters. 3) Two great Belafonte songs, even though the second is awkwardly stuck into the middle of what should be an intense scene with him and Fontaine.
Bottom line: Flawed but it stays with you. Give it a B minus.
Bottom line: Flawed but it stays with you. Give it a B minus.
Despite significant issues, still an interesting film
vincentlynch-moonoi1 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The first issue I had was James Mason. When I was young I thought he was a very good actor. And sometimes he was. Perhaps it was that wonderful voice. In recent years I've taken a second look at Mason's work, and I'd have to say his performances were rather uneven, and in my view his performance here was horrid. Maybe it was the director, or maybe it was the way Mason interpreted his character, but petulance did not fit here, and for much of the first half of the film, that's what Mason's character was -- petulant.
The second issue was Dorothy Dandridge. I knew of her, but I'm not sure I ever saw her in another film. Perhaps. But, if this is an example of her at her best, then I'm not impressed. Although, she was remarkably beautiful.
A third issue was Joan Collins. Now I enjoyed her in "Dynasty", but that doesn't mean I thought she was a good actress. She knew how to look seductive and sexy. But she didn't know how real people talk or behave, and it certainly shows here.
A fourth issue was transitions from one setting/scene to another. Sometimes they seemed awkward, as if the scene wasn't really quite finished, even though it had ended.
A fifth issue was the dialog. It was mostly okay, but occasionally it seemed to misfire. For example, the car has been sabotaged with the rotor taken out, and the response is, "It can't be a coincidence." Well, duh! And then there's Joan Fontaine's apparel. Just seemed a little too "white" in a film about interracial love affairs. Over done.
So you might think I didn't like the film. Well, despite all the issues, overall I thought it was quite good. First of all, for 1957, interracial romance was a hot topic. This film took courage, particularly for Joan Fontaine.
This was more an ensemble cast than a star vehicle. So, I enjoyed seeing Michael Rennie, an actor that I always felt was underestimated. John Justin was quite good. Stephen Boyd was sounding VERY British here, but he played the part nicely. Diana Wynyard, as the mother with a secret, has one exceptional scene when she finally tells her daughter a truth; this was her final film. John Williams always played a wonderful detective (as in "Dial M For Murder); a treat to see him in the same type of role here! I also enjoyed Ronald Squire.
In case you think I forgot Harry Belafonte, no, I didn't forget. I just don't think of him as an actor.
Despite some real issues, I liked the film. It has a strong plot, is lavishly produced with beautiful settings, and its theme is still very timely...amazing after nearly 60 years!
The second issue was Dorothy Dandridge. I knew of her, but I'm not sure I ever saw her in another film. Perhaps. But, if this is an example of her at her best, then I'm not impressed. Although, she was remarkably beautiful.
A third issue was Joan Collins. Now I enjoyed her in "Dynasty", but that doesn't mean I thought she was a good actress. She knew how to look seductive and sexy. But she didn't know how real people talk or behave, and it certainly shows here.
A fourth issue was transitions from one setting/scene to another. Sometimes they seemed awkward, as if the scene wasn't really quite finished, even though it had ended.
A fifth issue was the dialog. It was mostly okay, but occasionally it seemed to misfire. For example, the car has been sabotaged with the rotor taken out, and the response is, "It can't be a coincidence." Well, duh! And then there's Joan Fontaine's apparel. Just seemed a little too "white" in a film about interracial love affairs. Over done.
So you might think I didn't like the film. Well, despite all the issues, overall I thought it was quite good. First of all, for 1957, interracial romance was a hot topic. This film took courage, particularly for Joan Fontaine.
This was more an ensemble cast than a star vehicle. So, I enjoyed seeing Michael Rennie, an actor that I always felt was underestimated. John Justin was quite good. Stephen Boyd was sounding VERY British here, but he played the part nicely. Diana Wynyard, as the mother with a secret, has one exceptional scene when she finally tells her daughter a truth; this was her final film. John Williams always played a wonderful detective (as in "Dial M For Murder); a treat to see him in the same type of role here! I also enjoyed Ronald Squire.
In case you think I forgot Harry Belafonte, no, I didn't forget. I just don't think of him as an actor.
Despite some real issues, I liked the film. It has a strong plot, is lavishly produced with beautiful settings, and its theme is still very timely...amazing after nearly 60 years!
Most exciting thing is the poster
roslein-674-8745567 March 2014
The sexy girl on the poster promises a movie full of torrid passion, but this is flaccid through and through. Though there are two black-white romances, we never see the couples do more than chat. They don't even kiss. There are not enough sparks struck to make a union between two people of the same race plausible, let alone one in which the people really have to be committed to each other to surmount the difficulties they will face. They are so sensible about it all, they seem mildly depressed.
Scenes peter out in a vague and limp kind of way, and there is no suspense. This has got to be the only movie in which the heroine is frightened, picks up the telephone to call for help, finds that the line has been cut...and nothing happens. Belafonte is used just for decoration--though we are constantly told he is dangerous, we never see him doing anything remotely radical, and he is even a guest at the British governor's cocktail party.
In sum, this movie is, as the British say, all talk, no trousers. (Trousers is a euphemism. In this movie, no one gets their actual trousers off.)
Scenes peter out in a vague and limp kind of way, and there is no suspense. This has got to be the only movie in which the heroine is frightened, picks up the telephone to call for help, finds that the line has been cut...and nothing happens. Belafonte is used just for decoration--though we are constantly told he is dangerous, we never see him doing anything remotely radical, and he is even a guest at the British governor's cocktail party.
In sum, this movie is, as the British say, all talk, no trousers. (Trousers is a euphemism. In this movie, no one gets their actual trousers off.)
Controversial for the Time! Outdated by Today's Standards!
Sylviastel7 January 2013
This all-star cast can't help the weak script here. The cast is stunning with Harry Belafonte and Joan Fontaine together in Pre-Civil Rights era days. The story takes set on a fictional island called Santa Marta where the whites are the wealthy plantation owners like the Fleurys. Joan Collins is fine here. Diana Wynyard is stunning as the matriarch of the family. The film circulates around the whites liked the Fleurys and the blacks on the island. Dorothy Dandridge has a supporting role. Actors like Stephen Boyd and James Mason are also here. The film never really develops or becomes memorable besides the cast. In it's time, it was controversial to see inter-racial relations. Despite the weaknesses, the film is beautifully shot but I don't know the actual location. Still the costumes and art direction are first and the cast is all-star.
Slow, melodramatic and hasn't aged well
grantss4 April 2021
On the Caribbean island of Santa Marta change is in the air. A British Crown Colony there are moves afoot to gain independence. This is leading to racial tensions among the inhabitants. At the centre of the storm is the Fleury family, a wealthy landowning family, and in particular Maxwell Fleury, a man out of step with the times.
Apparently this film was quite revolutionary for its time, examining racism and interracial relationships. It may well have been one of the first films to feature an interracial relationship.
However, examined with a 2021 lens it seems pretty tame. More than that, some things are quite unrelatable, e.g. The whole keeping-up-appearance aspect, white folks getting freaked out because their ancestry might have some non-white blood in it. I'm sure these were relevant issues for 1957, but in 2021 it does not feature.
Even without the racial themes there was potential to make a movie that still had relevance in all eras. Sadly, this is all squandered on empty soap opera-like melodrama. The murder had the most potential to make this film interesting and while that had its moments, it was also a bit of a damp squib. This said, the interplay between Colonel Whittingham, the Chief of Police, and Maxwell Fleury was the highlight of the movie.
Apparently this film was quite revolutionary for its time, examining racism and interracial relationships. It may well have been one of the first films to feature an interracial relationship.
However, examined with a 2021 lens it seems pretty tame. More than that, some things are quite unrelatable, e.g. The whole keeping-up-appearance aspect, white folks getting freaked out because their ancestry might have some non-white blood in it. I'm sure these were relevant issues for 1957, but in 2021 it does not feature.
Even without the racial themes there was potential to make a movie that still had relevance in all eras. Sadly, this is all squandered on empty soap opera-like melodrama. The murder had the most potential to make this film interesting and while that had its moments, it was also a bit of a damp squib. This said, the interplay between Colonel Whittingham, the Chief of Police, and Maxwell Fleury was the highlight of the movie.
Soapsuds in the Sun
frankwiener26 November 2022
Sadly, Hollywood, once again, uses a very serious subject and makes a mockery of it with banal dialogue and overall superficiality. Instead of focusing on the painful abuse of one people by another, the director here presents a confusing plot involving no fewer than five separate couples and their romantic complications. Some of the cast, including Belafonte and Dandridge, are each included in more than one of these hookups.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of romantic drama, but I have seen soap operas of the same era that remained loyal to their serious subject matter without sacrificing the subject's gravity among a series of confusing, romantic entanglements. Regrettably, this film allows its very important political and social themes to suffocate under the heavy emphasis of frivolous relationships. One film that comes to mind is "Home Before Dark" (1958) in which director Mervyn Leroy never allows the important subject of mental illness to lose its impact beneath some very compelling portrayals of individual relationships. It helps to have two leads, Jean Simmons and Dan O'Herlihy, so strongly committed to their roles. I don't feel that many cast members here are emotionally invested in their roles.
Unfortunately, as is the case with the important topic, an otherwise capable cast is also wasted here. Even the likes of James Mason and Joan Fontaine cannot save this faulty production. Belafonte's one "moment in the sun" occurs during the public showdown with Mason, but it isn't enough, probably because of the otherwise lethargic dialogue.
Aside from a very nice theme song rendered by Belafonte, the cinematography by Freddie Young ("Dr. Zhivago", "Lawrence of Arabia". "Lust for Life", among many others) is exceptional. Having spent some time in Barbados, I especially appreciate the scenes of the spectacular, far less commercialized east coast of the island, most notably the finale. For me, the views of a much more lush and mountainous Grenada are very obvious, including the aerial shots of Grenada's capital, St. George's. Young was able to capture the best of both islands, and his photography is the film's greatest attribute.
Admittedly, I am not a fan of romantic drama, but I have seen soap operas of the same era that remained loyal to their serious subject matter without sacrificing the subject's gravity among a series of confusing, romantic entanglements. Regrettably, this film allows its very important political and social themes to suffocate under the heavy emphasis of frivolous relationships. One film that comes to mind is "Home Before Dark" (1958) in which director Mervyn Leroy never allows the important subject of mental illness to lose its impact beneath some very compelling portrayals of individual relationships. It helps to have two leads, Jean Simmons and Dan O'Herlihy, so strongly committed to their roles. I don't feel that many cast members here are emotionally invested in their roles.
Unfortunately, as is the case with the important topic, an otherwise capable cast is also wasted here. Even the likes of James Mason and Joan Fontaine cannot save this faulty production. Belafonte's one "moment in the sun" occurs during the public showdown with Mason, but it isn't enough, probably because of the otherwise lethargic dialogue.
Aside from a very nice theme song rendered by Belafonte, the cinematography by Freddie Young ("Dr. Zhivago", "Lawrence of Arabia". "Lust for Life", among many others) is exceptional. Having spent some time in Barbados, I especially appreciate the scenes of the spectacular, far less commercialized east coast of the island, most notably the finale. For me, the views of a much more lush and mountainous Grenada are very obvious, including the aerial shots of Grenada's capital, St. George's. Young was able to capture the best of both islands, and his photography is the film's greatest attribute.
Nice Music, nice sets but DIABOLICAL script
nicholas.rhodes27 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Much as I loved the sets on this one, much as I adore the Calypso music of Harry Belafonte, and much as I liked the choice of actors, the script/plot of this film was absolutely hopeless and boring from beginning to end ! We get one murder, a couple of semblants of romance, then a pairing off of Harry Belafonte with a white woman which obviously isn't going to work. All this isn't really very interesting, I would have thought that using Harry Belafonte, Michael Rennie, James Mason, Stephen "Polar Bear" Boyd with his funny half-Irish accent and others would have made for a better script but no !
I thought the murder episode pretty pathetic and unconvincing, I don't care much for interracial romances and there doesn't really seem to be much passion in this film. The saving graces are the beautiful décors, the scenes from the sugar plantations and the irresistible music of Belafonte. There's no spice, no passion, no heat, no memorable scenes. You sit through the film and by the time you get to the end you say "so that was it !!!". And wonder why you just wasted your time. Even the film "Hawaii" as better than this and slightly more passionate !
I thought the murder episode pretty pathetic and unconvincing, I don't care much for interracial romances and there doesn't really seem to be much passion in this film. The saving graces are the beautiful décors, the scenes from the sugar plantations and the irresistible music of Belafonte. There's no spice, no passion, no heat, no memorable scenes. You sit through the film and by the time you get to the end you say "so that was it !!!". And wonder why you just wasted your time. Even the film "Hawaii" as better than this and slightly more passionate !
Succeeds on several different levels; a personal favorite
algrant0129 March 2005
While there are many other more "contemporary" films which examine race relations issues equally as competently if not more so - considering this one was produced back in 1957 it should be recognized as genuine breakthrough! Sure, you may have heard about some of its cop outs, but bear in mind that interracial relationships were political dynamite at the time - and yet some of the film's observations remain poignant even today. But the ultimate beauty of this film is that even if you could care less about the racial issues, it still excels as a mystery / "whodunit" with some intriguing plot twists, as a mini musical with Harry Belafonte performing at the top of his game, and even as a sort of Travel Channel feature-of-the-week, which might leave you booking reservations to your own tropical paradise. So tune out the naysayers for a moment and give this one a fair shot. It may not be technically perfect, but most will be entertained, one way or another.
j. mason, J. fontaine, in
ksf-29 August 2020
James Mason, a couple years before N.B.N. quite a few other big stars in here as well. Joan Fontaine, Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Dandridge, and the awesome 24 year old Joan Collins. they tackle some heavy issues in this one. it's a UK production, and was filmed in the carribean and Trinidad. Jocelyn (fontaine) spends time with David (belafonte) walking around the neighborhoods of the island, but right off, we can see there are race relation issues going on here. even when Jocelyn tries on a mask for carnivale, David yanks it out of her hand, and gives her a look. kind of contrived, but obviously, i'm not sure by which we are supposed to be more shocked... the fact that she would try on a black mask, or that he rips it out of her hand, with a look of disgust. like I said, heavy issues. race relations, infidelity. and of course, a murder ! we'll recognize John Williams from Sabrina and all the hitchcock films. he's investigating the murder, and who knows what HE will turn up! directed by oscar nominated Robert Rossen. died young at 57. Stephen Boyd (plays Euan) died even younger at 45 of a heart attack. the film is pretty good. takes a while to get going, but the second half is pretty good. just so many things going on. seems overly complicated.
Island in the Sun
mocgurl7820 October 2021
Hard to hear dialogue over the annoying crickets
Outdoor scenes over-run by crickets sound like screeching wheels.
Cast seems overly self conscious about racial tension. Beginning of white "wokeness" setting in a beautiful paradise. Too bad they don't get out of the racial commentary and enjoy the scenery.
Cast seems overly self conscious about racial tension. Beginning of white "wokeness" setting in a beautiful paradise. Too bad they don't get out of the racial commentary and enjoy the scenery.
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