BIRD OF PARADISE

Cinemavixion Review

King Vidor's "Bird of Paradise" is a visually arresting journey to the South Seas, notable for its daring pre-Code sensibilities and lush production values. Dolores del Rio delivers a captivating performance as a Polynesian princess entangled in a forbidden romance with a sailor, played with earnestness by Joel McCrea. The film, shot amidst the stunning landscapes of Hawaii and Catalina, is further elevated by Max Steiner's pioneering score and Busby Berkeley's vibrant tribal dance choreography. Despite its notorious reputation for a purportedly nude underwater scene, the film's true strength lies in its evocative atmosphere and the compelling performances that transcend its dramatic narrative. This early RKO gem, also marking the debut of Lon Chaney Jr., offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of Hollywood filmmaking, rich with exoticism and a touch of forbidden allure.