Bird of Paradise (1951)

From my early growing up, I remember Bird of Paradise as one of the truly beautiful love stories of the screen. Debra Paget is simply gorgeous as the island girl Kalua who gets involved in doomed relationship with Louis Jourdan. The island spirits do not smile on the couple as you would hope. Jeff Chandler plays Kalua's ever watchful brother who has doubts about the affair from the beginning. You will need to watch for yourself to see how it all turns out and as you do, you will be treated to beautiful island scenery, a stunning and gorgeous musical score and pretty decent acting from all concerned. The volcano effects are impressive for its time. I'm only sorry that film has not received very much air time and the DVD versions are severely under par. I would like to see Fox or someone take hold of this classic and dress it up in a restored format to bring out all the beauty and tragedy of our doomed characters.

I will never forget when I saw "Bird of paradise" and I have never forgotten the name Debra Paget. I was 16 years old, it was in 1952 and the movie was shown at the local cinema, a tiny place hiding under the pine trees in the village in mid-Sweden where I grew up. It was a winter evening and I was deeply moved when walking home alone through the snow. Never shall I forget that TERRIBLE moment when Kalua jumped over the edge of the volcano! Oh, no!!! She was so beautiful and I loved her so much. Of course the volcano's eruption immediately stopped when this wonderful woman sacrificed herself for her people. The story represented something frightening and unknown to me, still remembering it after all these years. I tried to understand how parents could think in the way they did, slowly realizing that that there were different ways to look at life out there. Movie at it's best!

Yes, I've seen the movie too and loved it. I loved the story line of a simple, happy people who could have done a lot better if the Haole would have just stayed out! Now look at what the White man has done to those beautiful islands of paradise. Everywhere you look now, you see the white man's influence. Very little is left of the true Polynesians depicted in this movie. I just think its appalling that the white man has to destroy every culture, every race, every way of life just to benefit his own greedy lust! Why can't we just leave things alone? Why do we always feel we have to change things? To the people, ancestors, and spirits of a long ago people, I apologize for my race for what we have done to your world. I wish you peace and happiness and love.

I first saw this movie as a young teenager (probably in 1951-2). I went back and saw it again and again while it was at our local theater. I believe it was my favorite movie of all time and I have searched and inquired about a video or replay of movie and have never been able to find anything out about it. I would love to find someone with influence with local networks to request a replaying of this movie for everyone to enjoy. This would be a good choice for Family Night TV.Jo Cabrera, Mustang, OK