His Majesty O’Keefe ** (1954, Burt Lancaster, Joan Rice, André Morell) – Classic Movie Review 5384

‘Adventure Beyond The Fabulous! Two Years In The Making!’ Director Byron Haskin’s 1954 adventure movie stars Burt Lancaster as an American 19th-century adventurer-sailor, sea captain David Dion O’Keefe, who journeys to the South Seas, where he finds a fortune and the lovely Dalabo aki Dali (Joan Rice).

Lancaster is elected king and teaches the islanders how to prosper and survive against a ruthless pirate.

Pretty, petite British starlet Rice (a former waitress and beauty queen) makes a spirited appearance in order to provide Lancaster with a little romance.

It is kind of sweet and harmless escapist entertainment. But, for all his athleticism, even Lancaster cannot make this modest little romp very exciting.

Also in the cast are André Morell as Alfred Tetins, Abraham Sofaer as medicine man Fatumak, Benson Fong as Mr Chou, Archie Savage as Boogulroo, Grant Taylor as Lt. Brenner, Charles Horvath as Capt. Bully Hayes, Guy Doleman as Herr Weber and Philip Ahn as dentist Sien Tang.

Based on real individuals and events, it is co-written (with Borden Chase) by one of Lancaster’s business partners, James Hill, and produced by another, Harold Hecht. It is based in the the UK, but made in Fiji and shot in Technicolor by Otto Heller. Well actually, apparently, ‘All Of It Actually Filmed In The Fiji Islands!’

Lancaster made it the same year as Apache and Vera Cruz.

Joan Rice (1930–1997).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5384

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com