Diamond Head

I said many times I will see it many more times

Contemporary audiences may only know Charlton Heston from his vehement NRA sponsorship and his occasional cameo roles in big budget films and commmercials, but at one time, he was a BIG MAN in film. Fresh from his role in "Ben-Hur, the film has him playing a domineering and self-serving plantation owner who makes life "hell" for his young sister played by Yvette Mimieux. Filmed three years or so after the admission of Hawaii into the Union, the film carefully treads the tense waters that exist between haole and native Hawaiians. Mimieux's character is romantically involved with James Darren's Paul Kahanna, a "native" boy. The relationsip is frowned on by the hypocrital Heston who himself is having a "back street" affair with France Nuyen. George Chakiris, as Darren's successful doctor brother, provides support for Mimieux after a fatal occurance.As far as political correctness is concerned, the film is hopelessly flawed with the choice of actors playing the respective Hawaiians. Darren, an alumnus of so many teen movies, does a credible job, but, not once, is believed to be Hawaiian. Chakiris, who had previously won an Academy Award for playing a Puerto Rican in "West Side Story" fares even less. Mimieux is adequate in the typical 60's sex kitten role. Heston is basically playing his typical larger than-life self as "King" Howland.The film is entertaining and noteworthy as an early exercise in focusing on race relations. For that reason, it gets a recommendation. Heston fans, of which I am one, will probably like it.One highlight is the powerful score done by a young John Williams. As Heston rides a horse over the opening credits, the music is majestic and worthy of the scope and expanse of the plantation, and hints at the story to follow.

I originally saw this movie when it was released in 1962 or '63, and just watched it again the other night. I thought it was a very good movie then, and now. Yes, I was disappointed that two (2) major characters died one after the other, but I still think it was a good movie. The photography was breathtaking. Yvette Mimieux was an "up-and-coming starlet", clearly added for her youth and sex appeal, and not for her great acting ability, but I still think she did a pretty good job. James Darren, too. All of the main stars were easy on the eyes. Good story, good main actors, four gorgeous young actors (Ngyuen, Darren, Mimieux, Chakiris), and beautiful Hawaii. All in all, a great experience, and I enjoyed it. I will watch it again. It's included FREE with your PRIME subscription! I did notice in the credits that it is based on a book. I can't wait to read the book. I suppose I'll have to hunt down a copy at a library because I don't see it on Amazon.

I am down to my last 70 or so vhs movies. The seeming zillions of others have either been converted to dvd, replaced on dvd or burned to dvd from a movie channel. But this last 70, well, they are the question marks: Do I really want to replace them with the dvd's? Will they ever be broadcast on any of the movie channels I get? Do I just need to let them go because I've seen them enough?In the grand tradition of Susan Slade, From the Terrace, A Summer Place and all those other great, shlocky late 50's/early 60's grand morality plays, in strides big Heston himself. Against the gorgeous backdrop of a seemingly untouched Hawaii, Heston dispenses double-standarded philosophy, a "black and white" view of things, and he rules those around him with a moneyed, overbearing iron hand.Diamond Head has it all: out of wedlock sex and birth, death - accidental and otherwise, wealthy white men and considerably less well off indigenous people, cross-ethnic "forbidden" love and ultimate marginal redemption.For movies of this ilk to be appreciated, one has to understand the times - and not take these films very seriously. Diamond Head borders on the truly laughable, but still manages to be highly entertaining.If you are a fan of the 60's Big Star Melodramas, don't miss this one. It's got all the trappings AND Hawaii!

I remember this movie when it came out, so that really "dates" me. I was young when it was released, and I loved the stars of it (well most of them) and it was the beginning of a love affair with Hawaii. The story line is old, it's that outdated stuff about prejudice over skin color, that is similar to the West Side Story theme and others of that time. But I really enjoy the acting of everyone in this (although not a Charlton Heston fan) and although I am younger than Yvette Mimeux as a young girl I thought she was so beautiful and I was such a fan of hers. Also back in those days I was a James Darren fan (especially being a South Philly girl myself as a child) despite his small role in this and also a George Chakaris fan and I so enjoy the acting and the beautiful scenery. If you are young and you don't care for old movies, this won't do it for you. If you're older like me, it could bring back some memories. If you just enjoy movies, you will like it.

ALWAYS EXCELLENT MOVIE TO WATCH AGAIN & AGAIN....AND WE DO. WE MET MR.HESTON ONCE....HE WAS THE NRA PRESIDENT. AND HE WAS SUCH A WELL SPOKEN MAN "FOR THE PEOPLE".... AND AN EXCELLENT ACTOR. AS WAS YVETTE MIMMEUX(sp) AS WELL AS JAMES DARREN & THE BROTHER THAT PLAYED THE OLDER BROTHER...(WHOSE NAME (SHAMEFULLY) ESCAPES ME AT THE MOMENT)....BUT HE ALSO STARRED IN "WEST SIDE STORY".AS WELL...NOT TO FORGET THE LOVELY ACTRESS PLAYING THE PART OF THE WOMAN HE CHARLETON LOVED...(WHOSE NAME ALSO ESCAPES ME AT THE MOMENT.....SHAME SHAME SHAME ON ME. BUT I ALSO LOVED HER IN MOVIES...SO LOVELY AND GRACEFUL.... HAVE NOT SEEN HER IN A MOVIE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS....I HOPE SHE IS STILL LIVING...GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GO TO ONE OTHER SITE (GOOGLE) TO FIND OUT...,CHRIS

A wonderful look at Hawaii in and around the end of the fifties and early sixties. The story covers passion, love, racism and prejudice. The cast is well chosen and Charlton Heston delivers a strong and believable performance. France Nuyen is as beautiful and lovely as ever. This movie could have been a blockbuster but the direction here had little and limited inspiration; anyway, it just delivers what it needed to without any fanfare. The dvd transfer is very clean and clear. It is a widescreen edition and the Hawaiian scenery is wonderful.

1959, Hawaï devient un état américain. Richard Howland, à la tête d'une grande plantation, accepte de se présenter aux élections sénatoriales. Il prône l'égalité des races mais divers évènements vont le mettre face à ses contradictions. Ainsi ne va-t-il pas pouvoir accepter l'idée du mariage de sa sœur, Sloane, avec Paul Kahana, son ami d'enfance hawaïen alors que lui même entretient une liaison avec Mei Chen, une hawaïenne. Quand cette dernière lui annoncera sa grossesse, malgré son amour pour elle, il ne pourra accepter l'idée de la naissance de cet enfant métisse...4 ans avant "devine qui vient diner ce soir" on retrouve ici le thème de la tolérance raciale et de la ségrégation; des questions toujours d'actualité. Pourtant, Richard est convaincu de ne pas avoir de préjugés de races jusqu'au jour où il est touché de manière directe. ...J'ai bien aimé ce film: une histoire qui tient la route, un scénario qui maintient le suspense jusqu'à la fin...au passage le monde politique est un peu égratigné...des sentiments forts, de la passion, du drame ...Le film est bien joué, bénéficie d'une bonne distribution. Charlton Heston est particulièrement convaincant. Seul bémol, la fin est un peu brève à mon gout. Il est dommage que ce film ne soit pas plus connu.A noter que le titre français est "le seigneur d'Hawaï". Côté technique : DVD ZONE 1, l'image et le son sont bons. Dommage qu'il n'y ait que la VO mais heureusement il y a les sous-titres en français (également en anglais et en japonais!)

A Great movie.

Love it.