Hula (1927)

Hula (1927) re-united Clara Bow with director Victor Fleming, with whom she had worked so successfully in Mantrap (1926). Unlike that delightful comedy, however, Hula is little more than flippy fluff, and it certainly represents a remarkable change of pace from Clara's previous film, Wings. Nonetheless, Clara acts - or rather overacts - delightfully throughout and even manages to coax an engaging performance from Clive Brook. The plot is slight - sexy young extrovert Clara is smitten by dull, mature introvert Clive - and wins him away from his unloving wife. And it's all set in a lavish Hollywood rendition of a rich and lazy Hawaiian pineapple plantation. Victor Fleming handles both comedy and action well, but it's strictly a movie for Clara's fans. She gets the lion's share of Fleming's attention. (Sunrise Silents once provided a 9/10 DVD).

In Hawaii, "a land of swinging seas and swinging hips, where volcanoes are often active, and maidens always are," vivacious Clara Bow (as Hula Calhoun) grows into young womanhood. Ms. Bow is a "free spirit" who prefers the outdoors to her rancher family's stuffy, smoke-filled rooms. Bow's "coming of age" corresponds with the arrival of dashing Clive Brook (as Anthony Haldane); he comes to build a new irrigation dam on the Hawaiian island. Bow is smitten with Mr. Brook; but, he is strangely reluctant to reciprocate. After succumbing to Bow's kisses, Brook reveals the unfortunate truth - he's married.Victor Fleming directs Clara Bow. Of "Paramount" importance, obviously, is showing as much of Bow as possible; in this case, legs are the obsession. Things get off to a good start with a bee stinging Bow's upper thigh during the introductory nude nature dip. As the title and locale promise, Bow dons a grass skirt for some "Hula" dancing, too. There is an odd kissing scene, which has Bow kissing the blood off Brook's cheek, after he is injured saving her dog. In a way, it qualifies Bow as a "vamp". Bow is certainly charming; and, this otherwise silly offering must have been an audience pleaser.***** Hula (8/28/27) Victor Fleming ~ Clara Bow, Clive Brook, Arnold Kent

clara bow's beauty and wonderful appeal are the chief reason to watch this film. "hula" is not quite up to par with clara's best films but it is still enjoyable. she dances, she rides her horse, and pursues the man that she loves. this film is just over an hour in length and was directed by future oscar winner victor fleming (gone with the wind).the film moves quickly and clara bow has lots of screen time. if you like clara, i would reccomend "hula."

Many of the reviews and comments I have read about this movie say that this is a rather stale film and performance by Clara Bow. Although the story-line was rather typical of Clara's later silents, I still find it somewhat heart-stirring and incredibly fun. Clara plays a happy-go-lucky Hawaiian girl who will stop at nothing to win the man she loves...never mind that this man is married! Clara's lack of modesty was shocking in the day, but I believe it lends to the sweetness and general fun of the movie. Though definitely not a brilliant story-line (quite typical, actually), this movie is a nice showcase of Clara's ability to make the audience laugh.