Watch Paradise Isle

Paradise Isle is a 1937 romantic adventure film set on a beautiful South Seas island, which offers viewers an intriguing story interlaced with themes of cultural collision, forbidden love, and the redemptive power of understanding and compassion. Directed by Arthur Greville Collins, this black and white film stars Movita, who rose to fame after her appearance in "Mutiny on the Bounty," alongside actors Warren Hull and William B. Davidson.

The film introduces audiences to the visually captivating world of an idyllic island, a place where time seems to move at a gentler pace, and the landscapes are as enchanting as the folklore of its inhabitants. The opening scenes are lush with tropical scenery that sets the stage for a story that blends the allure of a remote paradise with human drama and emotional intrigue.

The central figure of the film is a young and beautiful islander named Lanai, portrayed by Movita. Lanai embodies the spirit of the island; she is innocent yet wise to the ways of her people and the traditions that permeate her community's culture. Her performance captures the audience's attention, evoking empathy and curiosity about her life and the customs she holds dear.

Warren Hull plays the character of an American painter named Stephen, who comes to the island seeking inspiration for his art. He is initially struck by the beauty of the island, but he soon discovers that the true depth of this paradise lies within its people and their stories. Stephen is depicted as an outsider, someone who views the world through a lens of aesthetic appreciation, but as he spends more time on the island, his character arc explores themes of belonging, understanding, and the complexities inherent in bridging contrasting cultures.

William B. Davidson fills the role of a trader named Horace, who has his own ideas about the island's value. Horace is a catalyst for change and presents a challenge to the island's way of life. His ambitions are rooted in the perceived opportunity to exploit the island's resources, putting him at odds with the ideals held by Lanai and Stephen. He serves as a counterpoint to the other lead characters, highlighting the delicate balance between preservation and exploitation.

As the film progresses, the narratives of these three characters intertwine in a tale of love and conflict. Lanai and Stephen form a connection that transcends their cultural differences, but they must navigate the obstacles placed before them by their distinct backgrounds and the ambitions of others, such as Horace, who does not understand or respect the sacred bonds that tie the islanders to their homeland.

Paradise Isle delves into the tensions that arise when modernity encroaches upon tradition, as well as the powerful allure of the exotic to those from distant shores. It undoubtedly touches upon the trope of the noble savage, which was a common motif in storytelling from that era, where indigenous populations were often portrayed in an idealized manner through the perspective of Western characters.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to vivid cultural displays, including native dance and music, which brings a sense of authenticity and vibrancy to the story. These moments not only celebrate the culture and traditions of the islanders but also serve to deepen the viewer's understanding of the world Lanai and her people inhabit.

The film is crafted to be a visual spectacle for the era, with cinematography that takes advantage of the exotic locale. Gorgeous seascapes, picturesque sunsets, and the natural beauty of the island are captured in a way that transports the audience to this far-flung paradise, inviting them to be lost in its allure just as Stephen is.

Paradise Isle, as the narrative unfolds, becomes a compelling exploration of the human condition, placing its characters in a setting that both challenges and changes them. The dialogue and interactions between Stephen, Lanai, and Horace are carefully constructed to address larger societal questions surrounding cultural imperialism, the sovereignty of indigenous peoples, and the often unpredictable nature of love when it crosses cultural divides.

This film remains a cinematic piece of its time, an exploration of a small, seemingly untouched part of the world from the perspective of 1930s America. For contemporary viewers, it offers a glimpse back into how films of that era portrayed other cultures, the romantic notions they expressed, and the compelling storytelling that made such movies a vehicle for both entertainment and reflection. Whether through its critique of colonial attitudes, its romantic subplot, or its celebration of cultural diversity, Paradise Isle provides a tapestry of themes that continue to resonate with audiences, preserving it as a notable entry in the archives of early twentieth-century cinema.

Paradise Isle is a 1937 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.