Noon Sunday

Noon Sunday is a unique, offbeat adventure film set deep within the treacherous and stunning terrains of the Pacific Islands. Directed by Terry Bourke, this unconventional thriller was released in 1970. Starring the talent-packed trio of Mark Lenard, John Russell, and Linda Avery, Noon Sunday effortlessly combines action, suspense, and an unexpected exploration of intense human emotion, all under an exotic foreign backdrop.

Mark Lenard, best recognized for his roles in Science Fiction franchises like Star Trek, steps into the shoes of down-on-his-luck American pilot Shad Logan. His character plays out as skillfully as any of his more recognisable roles, but with an added touch of world-weariness that pushes the story forward. Alongside Lenard is seasoned actor John Russell, as the gritty and gruff Charles Trask, providing a stark contrast to Lenard's more morally pliable character.

As a foil to these two hardened men is the jade-eyed Linda Avery, who portrays Leigh Hobart, an alluring and feminine female journalist. Caught in the melee of the story's unfolding adventure, her character brings a captivating mix of resilience, wit, and unexpected strength to the plot.

The premise of the film is based around an alarming proposition. Logan and Trask are offered $50,000 to fly into a tropical island located in the Pacific and blast a hidden Japanese installation. The challenges are manifold; the island is uncharted, immune to radar, and shrouded in magnetic interference. The task, although dangerous and potentially treasonous, promises a lucrative payoff. The undercurrent of mystery is sustained as the audience questions the motives behind this dodgy mission.

The plot thickens when the duo's plane crashes, and they find themselves stranded on the hostile island with an unwelcoming and dangerous native population. Completing their mission, they came to realize that their journey back is far from comfortable. Along the way, they discover Leigh Hobart, adding an additional layer of complexity to their predicament.

The characters' individual struggles with morality, survival, and conflicting intentions provide emotional depth and lend a psychological edge to the action-packed plot. As they navigate the island’s harsh landscapes and the threats lurking within it, they are also forced to confront their own internal landscapes. Dark pasts, hidden desires, fears, and ambitions come to light.

The movie is significantly enhanced by its location, the captivating Cook Islands, which makes the narrative more than just an exciting adventure. The beautiful but treacherous terrain is as much a character in this movie as the three protagonists. From lush rainforests and rocky cliffs to swift river currents and the vast ocean, the journey is filled with breathtaking visuals. These scenic locales add another layer of authenticity to the action scenes, making them visceral, raw, and filled with suspense.

Noon Sunday addresses the human instinct for survival and does so with stunning visual appeal and compelling storytelling. The indigenous people’s portrayal, though occasionally verging on stereotypical, also raises interesting questions about cultural clashes, civilization, and the morality of modern warfare.

To sum it up, Noon Sunday is an exciting, action-filled journey that takes audiences into the heart of the Pacific Islands, as it explores themes of survival, morality, and conflict. Whether it's the strong performances of Lenard, Russell, and Avery, the evocative settings, or the unorthodox plot elements, there's enough here to sustain interest across the film's runtime.

While the film falls squarely in the adventure genre, it combines elements of suspense, action, and drama effectively. It will certainly appeal to viewers who enjoy adventure thrillers with a psychological edge, stunning landscapes, and memorable performances.