Warner Bros. Pictures presents "HIS MAJESTY O'KEEFE" (1954) (92 min/Color) -- Starring Burt Lancaster, Joan Rice, Benson Fong, Philip Ahn & Grant Taylor
Directed by Byron Haskin
In 1870, Yankee sea captain O'Keefe finds himself stranded after a mutiny on the Micronesian island of Yap, where the financial potential of copra (dried coconut) excites him. But a German company already has a monopoly...and very low production because hard work is alien to dwellers in paradise. On a later voyage, between affairs with island maidens, O'Keefe struggles to find the key to the wealth of Yap. But before he can carve out the empire of his dreams, he must also contend with assorted villains.
Lancaster playing a larger than life role and the splendid location cinematography of Fiji make His Majesty O'Keefe fine viewing and it holds up well today.
This film is not Lancaster's best but is enjoyable if you enjoy watching him in his athletic prime. Beautifully shot, it captures the exciting times of adventure on the high seas and island exploration. A must for Burt Lancaster's many fans.
Colorful score by composer Dimitri Tiomkin.
BIOS:
1. Byron Haskin [aka: Byron Conrad Haskin] (Director)
Date of Birth: 22 April 1899 - Portland, Oregon
Date of Death: 16 April 1984 - Montecito, California
2. Burt Lancaster [aka: Burton Stephen Lancaster]
Date of Birth: 2 November 1913 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 20 October 1994 - Century City, California
Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]
Total Time: 92 min on DVD ~ Warner Bros. Pictures ~ (October 23, 2007)
