Island in the Sun (1957) – As a small island in the Caribbean looks at independence, its ruling elite struggles with racism, classism, social inequality, and murder.
Directed by Robert Rossen Starring James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte
My expectation going into this movie was that this would be a lukewarm look at colonialism and race. More soap opera than social commentary. What I discovered was a brilliant telling of life in the ultimate “small town”, an island thousands of miles away from what half the population thinks of as civilization. Belafonte brings a burning anger to the role of the leader of the local “native” population who are ready to be rid of their English rulers. He wants many things but realizes that some of his personal desires, like his love for a white woman (Fontaine), must be sacrificed for his country.
Race is the central issue through most of the action. Dorothy Dandridge is at her stunning peak here and is part of one of several “forbidden” romances. Everything revolves around that issue – politics, family, and the future.
It was fairly daring for the day. Producer Daryl F. Zanuck paid a then-record amount for the rights to the 1955 bestseller of the same name by Alex Waugh. Zanuck had just left 20th Century Fox, the studio that he dominated for decades. He was never afraid to take on difficult topics and had a knack for making movies people loved. With a great story and cast, he succeeded once again, turning “Island in the Sun” into one of the Top 10 grossing movies of the year.
The social restrictions of the day, along with the strictures of the Motion Picture Production Code, keep all of the controversial action (many of the stars received death threats after the premiere) on a tight leash. That restraint plays well here. The movie is about repression and control, so the tension builds when there can be no release.
A wonderful surprise is what I got in the end.
Why You Will Like It – An amazing cast brings tension and passion to a beautiful setting.
Rating – ***** Highest Recommendation
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