Bird of Paradise

Plot

When Johnny Baker, a young South Seas sailor, falls overboard during a voyage, he is rescued by Luana, the beautiful daughter of a Polynesian king. Despite Luana being promised to another man in an arranged marriage, she and Johnny fall deeply in love and flee to live together in paradise. Their idyllic existence is short-lived when a nearby volcano begins to erupt, threatening the entire island. According to Polynesian tradition, Luana must sacrifice herself to the volcanic gods to save her people, leading to a tragic conclusion where she willingly enters the lava flow while Johnny watches helplessly from a distance.

Historical Background

Bird of Paradise was released during the pre-Code era of Hollywood (1930-1934), before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code, which allowed for more mature themes including interracial romance and partial nudity. The film emerged during the Great Depression, offering audiences an escapist fantasy set in exotic locations. It reflected America's growing fascination with Pacific cultures following increased tourism and military presence in Hawaii. The film also coincided with a period when Hollywood was beginning to explore more sophisticated themes and technical innovations in cinema. The early 1930s saw advances in sound technology and the early use of color processes, both of which this film utilized. The movie's portrayal of non-Western cultures also reflected colonial attitudes of the time, presenting Polynesian society as both noble and primitive.

Making Of

Director King Vidor was passionate about authenticity and pushed for extensive location shooting in Hawaii, which was rare and expensive for the time. The production spent over six weeks filming on the islands, dealing with unpredictable weather and difficult terrain. Dolores del Río, a Mexican actress, was cast specifically for her exotic appearance and swimming ability. She underwent extensive training for the underwater scenes and performed many dangerous stunts herself. The film's most challenging sequence was the volcanic eruption, which required innovative special effects techniques combining practical effects, miniatures, and location photography. The controversial nude swimming scene was filmed at dawn with minimal crew to maintain secrecy, but it still caused significant controversy and was often censored. The studio initially wanted to change the tragic ending, but Vidor fought to keep it, arguing it was essential to the story's emotional impact.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Leo Tover was groundbreaking for its time, particularly the extensive location photography in Hawaii. Tover utilized natural lighting to capture the tropical beauty of the islands, creating a visual contrast between the paradise setting and the dramatic tragedy of the story. The film featured innovative underwater photography techniques, requiring specially designed waterproof camera equipment. The volcanic eruption sequence combined multiple cinematographic techniques including matte paintings, miniatures, and location footage to create a seamless and spectacular effect. The original version included sequences in two-strip Technicolor, though most surviving prints are in black and white. Tover's work earned praise for its ability to capture both the beauty and danger of the tropical setting, using light and shadow to enhance the film's emotional impact.

Innovations

Bird of Paradise was technically innovative for its era, particularly in its use of location shooting and special effects. The film's extensive location photography in Hawaii set a new standard for adventure films, demonstrating the benefits of shooting on authentic locations rather than relying entirely on studio sets. The volcanic eruption sequence was a major technical achievement, combining miniature models, matte paintings, and practical effects to create a convincing disaster scene. The underwater photography required the development of new waterproof camera housing and techniques. The film also utilized early two-strip Technicolor for certain sequences, though color technology was still in its infancy. The production team developed innovative methods for transporting and operating heavy equipment in remote tropical locations. These technical achievements influenced subsequent adventure films and helped establish new standards for location filming in Hollywood.

Music

The musical score was composed by Max Steiner, one of Hollywood's pioneering film composers. Steiner incorporated authentic Polynesian musical elements into his orchestral score, creating an exotic atmosphere that complemented the film's setting. The score featured traditional Hawaiian instruments blended with conventional orchestral arrangements, a technique that was innovative for the time. The film's theme music became popular and was later published as sheet music. Steiner's use of leitmotifs to represent characters and emotions helped establish the emotional tone of the narrative. The soundtrack also included several traditional Hawaiian songs performed by native singers, adding to the film's authenticity. The musical score played a crucial role in establishing the exotic mood and enhancing the film's dramatic moments, particularly during the tragic finale.

Memorable Scenes

• Luana's dramatic rescue of Johnny when he falls overboard, showcasing her swimming prowess and establishing their immediate connection
• The controversial nude swimming scene where Luana swims freely in the tropical waters, representing her connection to nature
• The volcanic eruption sequence, a spectacular special effects achievement showing the destruction and chaos
• The final sacrifice scene where Luana walks into the lava flow to save her people, one of cinema's most tragic endings
• The wedding dance sequence featuring authentic Polynesian choreography and costumes

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's visual beauty and technical achievements, particularly the location photography and volcanic eruption sequence. Dolores del Río's performance received universal acclaim, with many reviewers noting her natural grace and beauty. The New York Times called it 'a picture of extraordinary beauty and technical excellence.' However, some critics found the plot melodramatic and the ending overly sentimental. Modern critics have a more complex view, acknowledging the film's technical merits while critiquing its colonial attitudes and racial stereotypes. The film is now recognized as an important pre-Code work that pushed boundaries in its portrayal of interracial relationships, even while ultimately reinforcing the racial hierarchies of its time.

What Audiences Thought

Bird of Paradise was a commercial success, earning over twice its production cost at the box office. Audiences were captivated by the exotic locations and del Río's performance, making her one of the most popular actresses of the early 1930s. The film's romantic tragedy resonated with Depression-era audiences seeking emotional catharsism. Despite some controversy over the interracial romance theme, the film played well across the United States and internationally, though it was banned in some markets with stricter censorship laws. The movie's success led to increased interest in tropical settings and adventure films throughout the 1930s. Modern audiences often view the film through a historical lens, appreciating its technical achievements while recognizing its dated cultural attitudes.

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