A Marine became king of Haiti, then made a movie about it. White-kidnap energy, 1933.
In 1925, during the occupation of Haiti, a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant was stationed in charge of the small island of La Gonave. He befriended the natives and was so popular that they named him King Faustin I and installed him as their ruler. He ruled the island for three years, then left and returned to make this documentary.
Production
Actual king returns to film his subjects. Unhinged.
Direction
Self-directed royal propaganda by a Marine.
Director
Faustin Wirkus
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Wirkus later wrote a memoir, 'The White King of La Gonave,' doubling down on the myth.
U.S. occupied Haiti 1915-1934; this 'documentary' is essentially occupation tourism with a crown.
US
