After studying in the States, the son of a Polynesian Chief (with white in his blood) returns home to the superstition-laden islands along with a vacationing Frenchman he met at the University; despite dire warnings from the soothsaying Kahuna, the white stranger--who represents a portent of turbulence to come--falls in love with his friend's blue-eyed sister and decides he wants to stay. Corny, daft, but enjoyable tropical star-crossed lovers tale, a loose remake of King Vidor's same-titled film from 1932. Adapted and directed by Delmer Daves, the splendor of native life is given a frisky, romantic allure--until the last act when an angry volcano erupts (mostly via stock footage). What might have become a heavy mix of soap and masochism is brought off well by Daves, who mounts the proceedings with grand melodramatic style. Stars Jeff Chandler and Debra Paget (playing brother and sister, fittingly since they both share a dimpled chin) and Louis Jourdan approach the material with dreamy seriousness, avoiding camp and actually creating two-dimensional characters. Some may argue this production lacks a high-level of gloss or strong special effects, though I believe Daves was focused far more on the customs and beliefs of these people--and also on the love story--than he was on the technical aspects. As such, it's a better, more emotional picture than its predecessor, and certainly the music by Daniele Amfitheatrof and Ken Darby is a wonderful asset. **1/2 from ****

I saw Bird of Paradise when it first came out and was struck by Debra Paget's beauty and gentleness. My age was around 15 at the time. From that time on, I have read innumerable books relating to islands of the South Pacific. Now, 55 years later, I have written my own "island" books. So far I have three in sequence on the market. McKay's Island books by Ken Ralls. I would like to be able to contact Debra Paget for permission to use her pictures in my fourth book in the series. She would be the island girl, Kamlani, in my books. She has a special place in my heart.... Alas, all attempts to contact her have gone for naught.... Help! I share your Christian faith, Ms. Paget.

I saw this movie in the early 1960s when it was played in black and white on television on "Saturday Night at the Movies." I was in my early teens and very impressionable. I wept at the sacrifice of the heroine at the ending. I had nightmares about volcanic eruptions. I fell in love with the Polynesian island settings and culture. When I can squeeze in vacation time, I always want to head to Hawaii. More than 40 years later, despite the fact I've never seen this movie again, it still lives vividly in my memory. It would probably seem "cheesy" and outdated today, but I'd love to see it again. If it's still showing next time I travel to Hilo, I'll try to see it.

I recently watched the 1951 version of "Bird Of Paradise" on cable TV and enjoyed it once again. Directed by Delmer Daves this exotic tale of forbidden love has the usual native customs, rituals, an active volcano and even a Kahuna to hold your interest. The players including Debra Paget, Jeff Chandler and Louis Jourdan handle their roles adequately. Highlights include the breathtaking beauty of Debra Paget as the lovely Kalua and the stunning cinematography by Winton Cittoch accented by the original music of Daniele Ampitheatrof. Footnote: Natural beauty Mary Ann Ventura played Chandler's wife in this her only film and the evil Kahuna was played by non-other than Maurice Schwartz.