“Diamond Head” is a melodramatic soap opera-style movie that tells the story of a wealthy white land owner who objects to his sister’s plans to marry a native Hawaiian, while he is carrying on a torrid affair with an Asian woman. Director Guy Green (“Light in the Piazza” 1962) put together a smooth and slick and entertaining film that holds viewer’s attention for the 107-minute running time. The lucid screenplay was penned by Margarite Roberts, adapted from 1960 novel of the same name by Peter Gilman.
The talented cast includes Charlton Heston as millionaire Richard “King” Howland, Yvette Mimieux as his sister, James Darren as her boyfriend, France Nuyen as King’s squeeze, George Chakiris, Ailne McMahon, Elizabeth Allen, Philip Ahn, Edward Malory, Marc Marno, and Vaughn Taylor as Judge Blanding. The film was unique in that it accurately portrayed life in the Islands in the 1960’s by featuring a large cast of Hawaiian locals.
Veteran actress Billie Dove is featured in a cameo appearance, appearing in her final film role. She started in silent pictures in 1921 at Paramount Pictures. John Williams composed the musical score, with Hugo Winterhalter penning the title theme song, performed by James Darren. The watchable “Diamond Head” was a big box office hit for Jerry Bresler Productions and Columbia Pictures.
Diamond Head (1963)
cinema
My Review
“Diamond Head” is a melodramatic soap opera-style movie that tells the story of a wealthy white land owner who objects to his sister’s plans to marry a native Hawaiian, while he is carrying on a torrid affair with an Asian woman. Director Guy Green (“Light in the Piazza” 1962) put together a smooth and slick and entertaining film that holds viewer’s attention for the 107-minute running time. The lucid screenplay was penned by Margarite Roberts, adapted from 1960 novel of the same name by Peter Gilman.
The talented cast includes Charlton Heston as millionaire Richard “King” Howland, Yvette Mimieux as his sister, James Darren as her boyfriend, France Nuyen as King’s squeeze, George Chakiris, Ailne McMahon, Elizabeth Allen, Philip Ahn, Edward Malory, Marc Marno, and Vaughn Taylor as Judge Blanding. The film was unique in that it accurately portrayed life in the Islands in the 1960’s by featuring a large cast of Hawaiian locals.
Veteran actress Billie Dove is featured in a cameo appearance, appearing in her final film role. She started in silent pictures in 1921 at Paramount Pictures. John Williams composed the musical score, with Hugo Winterhalter penning the title theme song, performed by James Darren. The watchable “Diamond Head” was a big box office hit for Jerry Bresler Productions and Columbia Pictures.