The Hawaiians *** (1970, Charlton Heston, Tina Chen, Geraldine Chaplin, John Phillip Law, Alec McCowen, Mako) – Classic Movie Review 8455

Director Tom Gries’s 1970 adventure film The Hawaiians [Master of the Islands] is the continuing history of James Michener’s huge novel Hawaii, as conjured up by the best minds of Hollywood, with Charlton Heston, as Captain Whip Hoxworth, a self-made oil tycoon, acting as the focus of attention within the decade-spanning and action-packed narrative.

This sequel of sorts to Hawaii (1966) is not quite as spectacular or quite as star-studded or quite as epic as the original, but it is still eminently watchable. The all-round competence is marred by an often lagging and overly melodramatic script. However, it comes complete with an ensemble of consistently enjoyable performances, especially that of Tina Chen as Nyuk Tsin.

Also in the cast are Geraldine Chaplin, John Phillip Law, Alec McCowen, Mako, Keye Luke, Don Knight, Miko Mayama, Virginia Ann Lee, Chris Robinson, Naomi Stevens, Khigh Dhiegh, Harry Townes, Lyle Bettger, James Hong, James Gregory and Victor Sen Yung.

The Hawaiians [Master of the Islands] is directed by Tom Gries, runs 134 minutes, is made by The Mirisch Production Company, is released by United Artists, is written by James R Webb, based on James Michener’s novel Hawaii, is shot by Philip H Lathrop and Lucien Ballard, is produced by Walter Mirisch and Robert Stambler, is scored by Henry Mancini, and is designed by Cary Odell.

It was nominated for one Oscar: Best Costume Design (Bill Thomas), and for one Golden Globe: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Tina Chen).

It was filmed at Kaua’i, Moloka`i and Maui, all on Hawaii, US, as well as in the studio at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, 10202 West Washington Blvd, Culver City, California, and The Lot, 1041 North Formosa Avenue, West Hollywood, California.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8455

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