Pagan Love Song

Pagan Love Song is an enchanting musical romance film from 1950, directed by famed '50s musical director Robert Alton, boasting a talented cast that includes enduring Hollywood royalty like lithe swimmer-turned-actress Esther Williams and talented baritone actor Howard Keel. The cast is rounded out by versatile character actress Minna Gombell, whose previous screen credits span various genres. The script was authored by successful screenwriting duo Jerry Davis and Robert Nathan, trying their hands at a tropical musical.

The movie whisks viewers off to the picturesque landscapes of the islands of Tahiti, rich with lush, palm-studded beaches and surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, infused with the flavor of South Pacific culture. Cinematographer Charles Rosher perfectly uses his lens to capture the stunning natural beauty of the tropical landscape, pulling viewers into the narrative.

Esther Williams portrays Mimi Bennett, an island girl in the idyllic setting of French Polynesia. A half-American, half-Tahitian woman who had left her American teaching job and gone back to her roots in Tahiti, she had plans to settle there permanently. She lives on the island with her uncle, played by Clinton Sundberg, who is a tax-evading beachcomber posing as a king of the Tahitian tribes. The charming Howard Keel plays Hazard Endicott, a successful American businessman from Ohio who comes to Tahiti to take over an inherited plantation and is intrigued by the alluring and independent Mimi. Minna Gombell plays Mme. Endicott, the aunt of Hazard Endicott.

When the two leads meet, it's the classic tale of city meets country - or in this case, island. Williams and Keel's chemistry is palpable from their first encounter: Mimi, with her incredible knowledge of the land and people, and Hazard, with his mainland ambition and affable charm. This contrast forms the central tension in Pagan Love Song as romance blossoms between these two characters from different worlds.

Throughout the film, the island's rich culture, tradition, and grandeur are celebrated with a variety of musical numbers and beautifully choreographed dance sequences that capture the island lifestyle, giving the audience a glimpse into the Tahitian way of life. Not to be forgotten, of course, is Esther Williams' signature water ballet - a scene which dazzles and amazes as she dances elegantly on the shimmering surface of the South Pacific, her athleticism and grace on full display. The integration of Howard Keel's powerful baritone voice in the musical sequences provokes deep admiration for his musical range.

From the musical score, you get to hear some choice numbers such as "Pagan Love Song", "The House of Singing Bamboo", and "Why is Love So Crazy". These songs form a thread that ties the narrative together, enriching the storyline while creating catchy tunes the audience can indulge in.

However, Pagan Love Song is not just about beautiful music, tantalizing romance, and mesmerizing landscapes. It touches on cultural differences and misunderstandings stemming from Hazard's mainland sensibility clashing with Mimi's island way of life. Moreover, a sub-plot of cross-cultural relationships and questions of adapting to different traditions is employed cleverly to provide depths beneath the breezy exterior.

The costume department also deserves a mention for their fantastic period-specific outfits, with Williams showcasing a stunning collection of 1950s resort wear, bathing suits, and traditional Tahitian costumes that reflect both her character development and the cultural mishmash inherent within the storyline. Keel, too, transitions from the sober suits of an American businessman to the casual, relaxed attire befitting his change in environment.

All in all, Pagan Love Song is a visual feast wrapped in a musical treat amongst Hollywood's golden age of on-screen dramas. It captures the spirit of the time while providing audiences with an enticing love story set amidst breathtaking surroundings that whisk them away to the mesmerizing world of Tahiti. This vintage film serves as a delightful trip down memory lane for those who revel in cinema's past glories.