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Synopsis
Based on the James Barrie classic, THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON tells the story of an English butler who, shipwrecked with his employers, resourcefully leads them in their attempts to survive. The film stars Kenneth More and Sally Ann Howes.
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Paradise Lagoon is the American release title of the British The Admirable Crichton. In this Technicolor adaptation of James M. Barrie's oft-filmed stage play, Kenneth More stars as Crichton, the super-efficient butler for a family of haughty British aristocrats. Though More is true master of the household, he keeps his place, honoring the tightly regulated social structure of turn-of-the-century England. When the family, and its servants, are shipwrecked and marooned on a desert island, only Crichton has the skill and resourcefulness to keep everyone alive. Within a few months, the social order has been reversed: Crichton is the "governor", while his former employers are his willing and eager servants. Lady Mary (Sally Ann Howes), assuming that she will never be able to return to her veddy proper fiance, falls in love with Crichton. But once the castaways are rescued and returned to their London estate, the original master-servant status quo is restored. His marriage to Lady Mary now an impossibility-a fact stressed in no uncertain terms by the young lady herself-Crichton calmly packs his bags and leaves, in the company of maidservant Tweeny (Diane Cilento), who has loved him all along. Barries' satirical jabs at class consciousness (notably in the closing "interrogation scene", conducted by the imperious Lady Brocklehurst Martita Hunt) were not altogether relevant in 1957; thus, Paradise Lagoon concentrates on the property's farcical and romantic elements. Taking advantage of its tropical setting, the film also permitted the tired businessmen in the audience to gaze upon the luscious Sally Ann Howes and Diane Cilento in halter tops and short-shorts. ...The Admirable Crichton ( Paradise Lagoon )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The Admirable Crichton is an adaptation of J.M. Barrie's role reversal play, taking pot shots at the British class system and starring Kenneth More in the title role, it's something of a little treasure. Basically the plot sees Butler supreme Crichton become the governor of the desert island that he, and the toff family he serves, have been shipwrecked upon. The point being that these rich toffs, tho basically good people, are ill equipped to fend for themselves in the cold hard world. Crichton of course is well prepared for this new life forced upon them. He can cook, swim, catch fish, even start a fire, which none of the rich folk are capable of doing! We are of course asked to suspend a modicum of disbelief, I mean there are four sexy babes on this island and all of them start to fancy Crichton! Yes it's that sort of film folks. But it's a real well told story that is acted with fine skill, particularly from More and the infectious Cecil Parker as Lord Loam, whilst red blooded men such as myself get the benefit of some rather pretty looking ladies, especially Sally Ann Howes as Lady Mary. The ending is never really in doubt, but you know what, in this type of picture I didn't want it any other way. Highly recommended escapism. 7/10
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I love this film, one of my all time favourites. So why only fou stars???
I feel this is an American version as the titles at the beginning actually say the film is titled "Paradise Lagoon" and the opening sequence picture was not right. However once the film got going all was well.
Apart from the annoyance of the opening sequences, the film itself is wonderful. The story: A well to do family become shipwrecked in the south seas, miles off the usual trading routes and 'set up home' there. Over the two years they are all marooned on their island the butler, Mr Crichton (played superbly by Kenneth More) becomes the 'Gov' (Governor) and the family basically his servants. The original story was by Peter Pan writer, J M Barrie and in my opinion one of his better stories.
I would always give this film 5 stars, but for the first few minutes, I have to lose a star - shame, but at least it doesn't detract from an excellent film.
I feel this is an American version as the titles at the beginning actually say the film is titled "Paradise Lagoon" and the opening sequence picture was not right. However once the film got going all was well.
Apart from the annoyance of the opening sequences, the film itself is wonderful. The story: A well to do family become shipwrecked in the south seas, miles off the usual trading routes and 'set up home' there. Over the two years they are all marooned on their island the butler, Mr Crichton (played superbly by Kenneth More) becomes the 'Gov' (Governor) and the family basically his servants. The original story was by Peter Pan writer, J M Barrie and in my opinion one of his better stories.
I would always give this film 5 stars, but for the first few minutes, I have to lose a star - shame, but at least it doesn't detract from an excellent film.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
In 1902, a yacht of British aristocrats and their two servants vacationing in the South Seas runs afoul of a storm and they must abandon ship. Eventually, they are marooned on an uninhabited desert island and it's the butler (Kenneth More) who has the ability and the fortitude to take over and save them from starvation. In the two years they are on the island, the class system is reversed with the butler the leader and aristocrats the workers. J.M. Barrie's satirical comedy of manners on the English class system is both amusing and poignant and director Lewis Gilbert (ALFIE) handles the balance artfully. What seems like a Utopia on the island is just another class system and when/if they are rescued, will they have learned anything or will they retreat to their established positions? The Bermuda locations are indeed a paradise and lovingly photographed by Wilkie Cooper (JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS). With Diane Cilento, Sally Ann Howes, Cecil Parker and Martita Hunt. Previously filmed in 1919 by Cecil B. DeMille under the title MALE AND FEMALE.
The Sony DVD via Great Britain is a tad on the soft side and full frame but very watchable.
The Sony DVD via Great Britain is a tad on the soft side and full frame but very watchable.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Blast From The Past!
Kenneth More films were all the rage when I was much younger and although this particular title is a departure from his usual military officer type roles, he pulls off his... Read more
Published 1 day ago by Freelander
Refreshing film
This film was so refreshing from start to finish. So true to life as it was
in Victorian times. No signs of violence of any kind. What a change from our present day films. Read more
in Victorian times. No signs of violence of any kind. What a change from our present day films. Read more
Published 3 days ago by magenta
Upper Class Ladies of 1902
Just seen this on TV and really enjoyed it. J.M. Barrie's script successfully mines female sexuality to please his patrons (written 1902)and keep them in fashion - a good... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. Smith
A parody of Victorian attitudes, morales and the Class system
The movie is based on J M Barrie's (Peter Pan) story. When the movie was made, it was then about 70 years and two World Wars behind the times. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Claptonian
Lots of fun
An excellent film, with many very amusing moments. Kenneth Moore is truly in character as the put upon butler, though things soon change in that direction! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Thunderbolt
Mags
Purchased as a Christmas present for my daughter who has been looking for a copy for ages so not actually viewed it yet. BUT know she'll give the story five stars!!
Published 6 months ago by Mags
The Admirable Crichton
The quintisential Kenneth More at his best . A film you can show to all the family and not have to worry about unseemly content . Read more
Published 8 months ago by BRYBREN
A delightful cast in a wonderful adaptation
Columbia Pictures decided the original title, as provided by playwrite J.M. Barrie and as advertised on the box of this DVD, wasn't lurid enough to attract an American audience, so... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Michael B. Wisper
Unique and good.
I know the the story is an old one, but this is still a very good movie and I for one, like the ending. It certainly takes a shot at the upper class, but does it whole heartedly? Read more
Published 10 months ago by Doug
Very entertaining
I love this story. The movie is very entertaining and all the characters are adorable. I found myself entranced from the moment the movie began, but I have a penchant for old... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Suzanne
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