In the spring of 1945, World War II is coming to a close. Roger Halyard, a dignified, strait-laced Englishmen, lives on a South Sea atoll with his three daughters, Gloria, Hester and Violet, along with the housekeeper, Thelma, who has raised the girls since childhood. Other than their father, the girls have never seen another man. Halyard is informed that 1500 U.S. Marines will soon arrive to establish an air base on the island. Halyard is rather apprehensive over the prospect of his daughters, who have never met another man, being thrown together with 1500 Marines who haven't seen a woman in months.
Reviews
It's a battle of proper upbringing versus surging hormones. That's the problem the three enchanting English sisters face as hundreds of US marines land on their little Pacific Island as WWII winds down. The three young women have never seen a 'white' boy since they're the only European family on an island that Dad administrates for the British empire. So now the girls meet not only one boy, but hundreds. Good thing Dad's very forceful in both speech and etiquette, but will that be enough to fend off nature taking its course. After all, both the guys and girls are, shall we say, starved for romance.The movie's often amusing thanks to the sisters' high spirits, though Gloria, (Bromiley) spreads it on pretty thick, reminding me of the bubbly Debbie Reynolds. Eventually, each sister finds her own approach to romance, so the story's also about growing up under difficult circumstances . The guys get less spotlight and amusement, except maybe for Taylor's handsome lieutenant. But it's really Genn's very proper father who makes the plot gel, as he must somehow manage both the guys and his three daughters. He may be a wet blanket but never becomes dislikable, quite a trick. I do wish the often hilarious and eccentric Elsa Lanchester had more screen time, but I'm afraid she's largely wasted.The studio went out of its way to stock the crowd scenes of marines, but they could have popped for better-painted backdrops that mar some island exteriors. Anyway, I found the 95-minutes fairly amusing and at times charming, without being anything special. It's also noteworthy that the flick reflects very much the mores of its time (1953), with the titillating title and suggestive dialog that newly arrived TV couldn't emulate. Were it produced today, I wonder what levels the narrative would reach for or sink to depending on your perspective.
While I generally enjoyed this film, I must say that one actress in this film really didn't work for me. Dorothy Bromiley played the youngest girl in the film. While she was a lot older than the character she played, this didn't bother me--she was able to be convincing as a teenager. But, her voice....wow was it tough on my ears. She sounded a lot like Glynnis Johns but even younger and more piercing. Maybe it's just me and my wife, but the voice was tough for both of us to take.The film is an enjoyable but tough to believe little fantasy set during WWII. A man (Leo Genn) has moved to a tiny island paradise and has three VERY lonely daughters. When he learns that 1500 US Marines are going to be living there, he is NOT pleased. As for the daughters, they seem amazingly horny--especially the oldest and youngest. The middle girl is a bit more sensible and she falls for nice-guy Don Taylor. Can the father manage to keep his daughters' virginity?! The film is amiable but not especially inspired. Enjoyable fluff--and nothing more.
Where can I find this movie?? I grew up in Australia watching reruns of classic World War II and John Wayne movies on Sunday with my Dad. This particular film brings such great memories to me. Now that I have children I want to spend my Sunday's watching reruns of great old World War II movies with my children. Any advice on how to find it please let me know. I have checked all the usual places such as Amazon and Ebay. According to TMC it was never released on DVD so I am trying to track it down on VHS. (For all you fans please go to the TMC website and type in this movie and request it to be released on DVD by Home Videos.) If you have any suggestions please let me know.
Saw this when it first came out in 1953 and had teenage crush on Audrey Dalton ever since ! Predictable plot line, but good acting from Leo Genn, sort of like " South Pacific " without the music. Leo spent a lot of his time advising that affairs with the army boys would only lead to heartbreak when the war ended and they all left. A total fairy tale of course, the army engineers had nothing to do except flirt with the girls ( Audreys sisters ). I liked that it was on an actual location ( guessing Hawaii ) and it seemed SO exotic for a lad from freezing Scotland in the context of the period and I saw it a total of four times... the last time in 1955, so this " critique " is from the dim and distant past. I believe audrey is still with us, but sadly, not Leo who was a fine actor indeed
