The Barbarian and the Geisha ** (1958, John Wayne, Eiko Ando, Sam Jaffe) – Classic Movie Review 8970

Director John Huston’s 1958 romantic adventure drama The Barbarian and the Geisha stars John Wayne as Townsend Harris, the first US consul to Japan in 1856, who gradually wins respect of the local people, and is helped by the young geisha called Okichi (Eiko Ando) in love with him.

The Barbarian and the Geisha is lavishly produced by 20th Century Fox, but director Huston’s heart does not seem to be in the sedate, low-action film – a rare Fifties flop for him.

In a part that does not particularly suit him, Wayne does not seem comfortable, looking ill at ease and even unwell. It is shot in Color by Deluxe and CinemaScope by Charles G Clarke. The production designs are by Jack Martin Smith and Lyle R Wheeler. It is at least a good-looking movie.

Also in the cast are Sam Jaffe, So Yamamura, Morita, Hiroshi Yamato, Norman Thomson, James Robbins, Takeshi Kumagai, Fuji Kasai and Tokujiro Iketaniuchi.

The screenplay by Charles Grayson is based on the story by Ellis St Joseph.

Wayne finished directing the movie as Huston left to prepare his next film The Roots of Heaven, and Huston was not satisfied with the resulting picture.

The Barbarian and the Geisha is directed by John Huston, runs 105 minutes, is made by 20th Century Fox, is written by Charles Grayson, based on the story by Ellis St Joseph, is shot by Charles G Clarke (Color by Deluxe and CinemaScope), is produced by Darryl F Zanuck (executive producer) and Eugene Frenke, is scored by Hugo Friedhofer, and designed by Jack Martin Smith and Lyle R Wheeler.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8970

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