Some enchanted evening, you will meet a stranger. True to form, during World War II, perky blonde nurse Mitzi Gaynor (as Nellie Forbush) and handsome navy Lt. John Kerr (as Joseph "Joe" Cable) find their strangers on a lush "South Pacific" island. She meets middle-aged French planter Rossano Brazzi (as Emile De Becque). And, he finds nubile native girl France Nuyen (as Liat), with help from weighty mother Juanita Hall (as "Bloody Mary"). Unfortunately, racial prejudices and other factors threaten to railroad both romances. Above all, there is a war going on. Comic reliever Ray Walston (as Luther Billis) dons a makeshift bra for his grass-skirt number.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's soundtrack music remains excellent for this adaptation of their great stage hit. However, the story involving the "mixing" of American and Asian, considered daring and/or forward-thinking at the time, looks more plainly like an old-fashioned sex date; other versions of what you see here have played the match-up better. "South Pacific" is also lengthened past its endurance level. Even greater deterrents are the often eye-bleeding color enhancements and other peculiar choices, especially Mr. Brazzi as the male lead. It's an incredible tribute to the soundtrack that sustains this version of "South Pacific" through its flaws.
****** South Pacific (3/19/58) Joshua Logan ~ Mitzi Gaynor, Rossano Brazzi, John Kerr, Ray Walston
Rodgers and Hammerstein's soundtrack music remains excellent for this adaptation of their great stage hit. However, the story involving the "mixing" of American and Asian, considered daring and/or forward-thinking at the time, looks more plainly like an old-fashioned sex date; other versions of what you see here have played the match-up better. "South Pacific" is also lengthened past its endurance level. Even greater deterrents are the often eye-bleeding color enhancements and other peculiar choices, especially Mr. Brazzi as the male lead. It's an incredible tribute to the soundtrack that sustains this version of "South Pacific" through its flaws.
****** South Pacific (3/19/58) Joshua Logan ~ Mitzi Gaynor, Rossano Brazzi, John Kerr, Ray Walston