Donovan's Reef
Producer-director John Ford once again demonstrates his successful formula for rambunctious, combative comedy and romance in this action-packed John Wayne classic. Life on a South Pacific island for two ex-Navy buddies (John Wayne and Lee Marvin) is just about perfect - they spend most of their time in Donovan's Reef, the local saloon where they brawl and feud and somehow manage to stave off the sameness of tropical living. Then, into this mayhem arrives Elizabeth Allen, a straight-laced Bostonian in search of her father.
Member Reviews
Lightening didn't strike twice - Gaucho
This has always been grouped in with Wayne's comedies (Hatari, North to Alaska). Hatari is a very funny, very good film; this one is a bit stale in places, meandering around trying to to find a plot.
Still, Wayne is really good as a romantic lead. There are times you realize this film couldn't be made to today, that his demeanor and manners aren't very PC (Ex, the last scene is him spanking the heroine). Still, he's got a heck of a lot more charisma than most leading men today.
Not a bad offering.A pleasant and different side of John Wayne! - Chuckles1
I totally agree with the excellent review already written: this is a good film, and shows a different side of John Wayne than one usually sees.
It's "G" rating is well deserved, and unlike some of Wayne's films, this is one that even younger children can enjoy without a lot of violence and "blood and guts".
IMHO, definitely one of the Duke's better efforts!Fun in the islands - Radio_Jane
For those of you who thought that John Wayne was only capable of being a soldier or a cowboy, here is a pleasant surprise. As Guns Donovan,an american running a bar on an exotic island, Wayne Demonstrates comic timing that he did not show very often. His chemistry with costar Elizabeth Allen is firey. Lee Marvin, as a drunk army buddy, is at his best, as are Cesar Romero and DOrothy Lamour. Set against the beautiful south pacific, this movie is a treat.
Member Reviews
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Lightening didn't strike twice - Gaucho
This has always been grouped in with Wayne's comedies (Hatari, North to Alaska). Hatari is a very funny, very good film; this one is a bit stale in places, meandering around trying to to find a plot.
Still, Wayne is really good as a romantic lead. There ...A pleasant and different side of John Wayne! - Chuckles1
I totally agree with the excellent review already written: this is a good film, and shows a different side of John Wayne than one usually sees.
It's "G" rating is well deserved, and unlike some of Wayne's films, this is one that even younger children ...Fun in the islands - Radio_Jane
For those of you who thought that John Wayne was only capable of being a soldier or a cowboy, here is a pleasant surprise. As Guns Donovan,an american running a bar on an exotic island, Wayne Demonstrates comic timing that he did not show very often. His chemistry ...