Displaying items by tag: Gordon Jackson

PACIFIC DESTINY

UK, 1956, 97 minutes, Colour.

Denholm Elliott, Susan Stephen, Felix Felton, Peter Bathurst, Clifford Buckton, Michael Hordern, Gordon Jackson.

Directed by Wolf Rilla.

Very much a film of the mid-1950s. It presupposes the British Empire and colonialism – though with some more benign perspectives. But it was released as a time when there was growing movement for independence, especially in African countries. At the same time, Simba, was released showing the impact of the Mau Mau and movements for independence in Kenya.

The film is based on a memoir by Arthur Grimble who was sent, rather young, to colonies in the Pacific, “wet behind the ears” as the authorities would have thought, making mistakes, growing to appreciate the local culture, becoming something of a mediator. His played by Denholm Elliot at the beginning of his career, not such a credible screen presence in this role as some of his contemporaries like Dirk Bogarde or Donnell Sinden or Peter Finch. (Denholm Elliot was far more successful in a long career roles, principal and support.)

Susan Stephen, popular at the time, plays his pregnant wife and support. Michael Hordern does his thing as the crusty retiring administrator there are some moments with Gordon Jackson. Some British actors combined with Pacific actors to play the leads and the members of the various tribal factions in the islands.

The setting is 1925. The presence of the British taken for granted. The indigenous people of the various islands shown with some of their culture, conflict with the British, some reconciliation with the British and a general perspective that there should be some respect and understanding by those in the position of overlords with those whom they are purporting to serve.