Back in the sixties there was a genre of films that came out
that can only be called epics. These were huge motion pictures that spent
millions on production values, name stars were brought together, they were
based on bestselling novels and took place in locations most couldn’t visit.
When one of these movies was released a juggernaut of promotional material was
sent forth and seeing them on the big screen was an event. Each had an overture
before the movie began, an intermission and a running time that back then was
more than the average film being released.
Based on the 1959 novel by James Michener the film only
covers part of his novel that told the story of Hawaii from its founding
through the 1950s. While the founding is touched on the movie instead focuses
on the missionaries who arrived there, Rev. Abner Hale (Max Von Sydow) in
particular. Hale is a strict Calvinist who longs for nothing more than to
preach to and convert the Hawaiians. But with no wife the church will not send
him. Hale is strict enough and without a touch of humor to the point that at
least one leader of the church would be happy to see him leave so he sets in
motion a match for Hale in the form of Jerusha Bromley (Julie Andrews), a young
woman left behind by a seafaring captain.
Hale and Jerusha get to know one another well enough but
true love isn’t quite there. They marry and head for Hawaii along with Keoki, a
Hawaiian who has studied in New England and hopes to help convert his fellow
Hawaiians to Christianity with Hale. The trip is a long one though short lived
on screen, enough to display the difficulties the missionaries faced. When they
arrive they’re greeted by semi-naked Hawaiians who rush to greet the sailors on
board, sailors who take advantage of them when they can.
Meeting the ruler of this particular island Malama Kanakoa,
it is determined that Hale will set up his parish on this island. He has a long
row to hoe though as Malama would rather talk to Jerusha than Hale. Things are
worked out and Malama begins to learn what it means to be a Christian. But most
of the conflicts in the story not only take place around Rev. Hale but because
of him. Hale is not one to be tactful and respectful of the customs of the
land. His lack of humor and willingness to bend to coerce followers to at first
learn about his beliefs are often the barrier that stands between his success
and failure. Only the understanding and love of Jerusha help him on the island.
As they develop their parish they fall in love.
There are a number of other plotlines that come to play in
the film, including the arrival of sea captain Rafer Hoxworth (Richard Harris)
the man who left Jerusha behind. To list all the various stories in this 3 hour
film would take time and be better left to viewing it instead. Suffice to say
that even though it only covers one chapter from the original novel there is
plenty of story to be had on hand here.
Twilight Time has once again offered a fantastic
presentation of a movie that many will either have forgotten or not heard of.
The transfer is beautiful to see. Their version offers an isolated score track
and the original theatrical trailer. Not
only that, you have the option to view the standard film itself which runs 161
minutes or you can watch the original roadshow version which runs 189 minutes.
The roadshow version is what I mentioned earlier with the overture and more.
In seeing this movie for the first time I was amazed that it
wasn’t controversial when it was released. The depiction of a minister who is
more likely to drive people away from Christianity than bring them to the
religion is heavy in this film. The sixties were more a time of Christianity in
a positive rather than negative light. As depicted here you would think this film
was more recent in its attitude towards the faith. And while historically
accurate the views of evil white men coming to take over a country for their
own greed, even those who set out at first to bring faith to the islands, seems
more in line with the protest movements of today as opposed to acceptance of
what happened. Wiping out a culture is a heinous act. Fortunately what seemed a
potential hazard here wasn’t the end result and the culture still exists though
combined with many others. Some might find this offensive. Some might find it
justification for their negative feelings of this country. The reality is that
this is history whether one approves or not. In the end it tells an interesting
story with compelling characters and a look at a location that at the time
wasn’t quite the tourist attraction that it is today. Best of all the movie
entertains.
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