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Donovan's Reef (1963)

Director: John Ford

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From Time Out Film Guide

Most critics agree that Donovan's Reef is a fun film - 'A couple of Navy men who have retired to a South Sea island now spend most of their time raising hell', runs one brief description of the film - but beneath the fun lies one of Ford's most desperate films. Set on an idyllic island, the film seemingly depicts a 'natural' (semi-feudal) society in which Ford's wandering heroes (Wayne, Marvin and Warden) can at last settle down and find peace. However, the arrival of Warden's Boston-reared daughter (Allen) reveals that, like the town in The Sun Shines Bright, the island of Ailakaowa is a paradise built on ritual and racial division. In short, a very bleak - but very funny - comedy.

Author: PH 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: John Ford

Producer: John Ford

Cast: John Wayne, Lee Marvin, Jack Warden, Elizabeth Allen, Cesar Romero, Dorothy Lamour, Jacqueline Mazurki, Mike Mazurki, Marcel Dalio full cast

Genre(s): Action/Adventure

Duration: 108 mins


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