Hawaii -George Hill (1966)

Stars: Julie Andrew, Max Van Sydow, Richard Harris

Pros: Photography, set design, soundtrack, Hawaiian locations, Jocelyne LaGarde, Topless natives
Cons: Too long, Dull Script, one dimensional characters, Van Sydow over-the-top

Plot: In 1820 Abner Hale, (Van Sydow) a rigid, priggish, New England missionary, marries Jerusha Bromley (Andrews) and takes her to Hawaii intent on converting the natives. It proves a difficult task & Sea Captain Richard Harris shows up to test their marriage vows

“Hawaii” is surprising movie. It’s surprised me that in 1966 such a long (over 3 hours) overtly anti-Christian movie, dully scripted by a communist, and starring a Swedish actor was given the green light by Hollywood with a budget of $12 million. Even more surprising, it was the 1966 box-office champ - pulling in over $16 million.

Unsurprisingly, it’s been pretty much forgotten. While score is great, the Polynesian actors (especially Jocelyne LaGarde) excellent, and has some lovely Hawaiian cine-photography the story itself is a crushing bore that lumbers along & never seems to end. And the same is true of Abner Hale. We see far too much of this dullard, who never goes away, and who never changes (except at the end). Trumbo’s script and Van Sydow excessive piety make him more robot than human. Andrews, who has top billing, is given little to do and seems rather muted. Richard Harris is Richard Harris. Incredibly even though its 3 hours long, none of the 3 main characters are given any real background or depth, they remain unchanging clichés.

But some scenes are excellent and stay with you - Andrews illness, the Sea voyage to Hawaii, the outbreak of disease. George C. Scott is excellent in a brief appearance. Carol O’Connor is laughable as a New England puritan

Conclusion: An overlong, turgid historical romance that overstays its welcome. Some competent supporting actors and beautiful photography made some of it bearable. Best seen on a big screen with plenty of booze.Rating **1/2