The Pagan
The Pagan

Movie spotlight

The Pagan

1929
Movie
78 min
English

Henry, the pagan son of a white father and native mother, has inherited land and a store, but he prefers the simple life. When he falls in love with a native girl, her guardian, who is trying to bring her up as a 'proper' Christian, but who also lusts after her himself, plots to keep them apart.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: W. S. Van DykeGenres: Musical, Romance, Adventure

Plot Summary

In the exotic South Seas, the dashing Lieutenant Sydney "Syd" Deevens is sent to a remote island to investigate rumors of a pirate haven. Upon arrival, he is immediately captivated by the island's beauty and its inhabitants, particularly the alluring native princess, "Lina". Syd finds himself torn between his duty and his growing feelings for Lina, all while navigating the treacherous political landscape and the presence of a rival suitor.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Pagan' was lauded for its stunning Technicolor cinematography, exotic setting, and Jack Oakie's charming performance. The film was a commercial success, appealing to audiences with its musical numbers and romantic storyline. Critically, it was seen as a lavish spectacle that capitalized on the public's fascination with tropical locales and the then-novel introduction of synchronized sound and color in film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant early Technicolor and musical sequences.

  • Jack Oakie's performance as the charming Lieutenant was a highlight.

  • The exotic South Seas setting provided a visually appealing backdrop.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'The Pagan' from Google Reviews is not readily available due to its age and limited modern distribution.

Fun Fact

Although released in 1929, 'The Pagan' was filmed earlier and was one of the earliest features to showcase MGM's newly developed two-strip Technicolor process, making its visual presentation groundbreaking for the era.

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