Amazon.com: Esther Williams never looked lovelier than she does in Pagan Love Song, bronzed and beflowered to play Mimi, a half-American, half-Tahitian girl who was raised on the island but who longs for the good old U.S. of A. "All my life's been one long vacation," she sighs, "and I'm bored." Luckily, Hap Endicott (Howard Keel) arrives on the scene. He's an Ohio schoolteacher who has come to manage his late uncle's coconut plantation. The two meet cute, and love and singing ensue. There are a few cringe-inducing moments of the "colonialism can be fun!" variety (the Happy Natives don't need to be paid--just throw them a party!), but it's all so silly and well intentioned that it's hard to hold a grudge. Pagan Love Song's many pleasures include songs at the drop of the hat, some terrific Tahitian dancing, and a lovely moment when a lovelorn Hap looks up and sees Mimi swimming gracefully among the clouds. A must for any Esther Williams fan. --Ali Davis
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Lightweight, but it has its charms
Esther Williams stars in this silly South Pacific love story, filmed largely on the Hawaiian island of Kauai (although the story is supposed to be set in Tahiti...) Her love interest is the schmaltzy show tune crooner Howard Keel, playing a lazy American who inherits an abandoned coconut farm, and after making it out to the island picks up a yen for the half-Tahitian hottie played by Williams. She tames him, he mellows out, learns to like small children and to kick back into Tahitian time, just like the locals. Musically, the Harry Warren compositions are not, admittedly, among his best work, ... Read More
Rating: - Very lovely film!
This is one of my favorite Esther Williams films. It's very well done, witha lovely sitting on a tropical island. There are also some delightful tunes in it as well.
Rating: - Lightweight musical
There is nothing taxing or demanding about Pagan Love song and people wanting escapist fare may be pleased with it. Lush island scenery and a hummable score are the film's strongest assets. It is a long way, however, from producer Arthur Freed's finest achievements. 2 1/2 stars.
Rating: - It is a friendly movie with friendly songs.
In this movie, Esther is a native Hawaiian rich girl. Howard Keel comes to the islands for the simple life and finds that life with Esther around is anything but simple. The water dancing sequences are not the most original or spectacular. It is a friendly movie with friendly songs.
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