I watched this movie late at night for Donald Pleasance. I was disappointed by his rather small role, but felt myself strangely intrigued by this romantic romp.
The movie follows drunkard English emigre, 'the honorable Ted', who insists upon getting himself into numerous brawls and disturbances around the island. He comes into contact with the recently appointed governor, who despite being compelled to punish him, soon becomes his good friend. Ted is given considerable contempt for his 'wicked ways' by the local missionaries, a priest and his sister, Ms. Jordan. During the film, there is a gradual convalescence of Ms. Jordan from a fundamental Christian ("Oh, Lord, protect me from the onslaughts of the Unbelievers and their wickedness" she says whilst stranded on the island alone with Ted and a couple of natives) to an understanding, approachable sort.
This change takes place when Ted must sail her back from one of the outlying islands. Despite his rugged appearance, she begins to develop affection for his urbane and nurturing nature, being particularly surprised at his chivalry for not compromising her virtue whilst she they were alone on the island!
Later arrested for further drunkenness, Ted is promised a pardon if he travels with Ms. Jordan to another island to help contain an outbreak of cholera. He reluctantly agrees, but later comes to deeply admire her committal to the safety and health of the natives. The films ends happily with their marriage.
Donald Pleasance is relegated to the unglamorous role of an island native coolie; given the stereotypical boot-polishing and brimmed spectacles of a Western actor attempting an non-western character. He acts proficiently though as the Governor's adjutant, resplendent in imperial white, always loudly organizing his fellow servants as the fade out is about to occur.
The film is surprising relaxed about the formalities of colonization, indeed the colonial administrator is portrayed with much humility in his concern at the outbreak of disease. The film is above all a romance, with Ms. Jordan gradually stripping of her prejudicial conscience, and moments of comedy thrown in by Ted and inadvertently by the machinations of the 50's stereotyping of native islander culture.
Any deep analysis, I think, may destroy the intentions of this film, which is a half-hearted romance/comedy with some humanitarianism thrown in for good measure. Feels like 'The African Queen'!
