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Hawaii Theatre and Tau Dance Theatre will screen the 1951 movie "Bird of Paradise," which features the work of island legends like the late Iolani Luahine supporting stars Debra Paget, Jeff Chandler and Louis Jourdan. ‘Bird of Paradise’
on the big screen"Bird of Paradise" was filmed in Hawaii and tells the story of a Frenchman (Jourdan) who seeks paradise in a Polynesian village and falls in love with a chief's daughter (Paget).
The hula master and chanter Luahine choreographed the film, and the musical score includes performances by Lydia "Mama" Bray. Bray and her husband David "Daddy" Bray were respected exponents and protectors of hula and Hawaiian traditions. Lydia Bray was dubbed "Mama" by President Eisenhower after she performed for him in 1952.
Also featured is Hilo-born actor Prince Leilani, who appeared as the kahuna in the stage version of the film.
At the time "Bird of Paradise" was released, the film was considered "one of the most beautiful motion pictures ever made" (Hollywood Citizen News), and features island scenery as it was then.
And, as Hollywood is wont to do, it shows compressed distances and mixed shots so actors sailing into Hanalei Bay on Kauai jump off the boat and end up swimming near Hilo.
The showing is a membership drive for the sponsoring organizations. Membership for either group is $25 for seniors and students, $35 for adults and $60 for a family. Tickets are $10 each for the screening.
The movie will be show at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 and 2 p.m. Oct. 8.
Cynthia Oi, Star-Bulletin
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