A silent film where a woman saves the man? 1925 said 'we're not like other girls.'
David Sheldon owns a plantation in the Solomon Islands. Many of his field hands die of blackwater fever, and then he becomes sick himself. Joan Lackland, a female soldier of fortune, arrives by schooner in the islands. With the help of her Kanaka crew, she protects David from an attack by the natives who are led by Googomy. Joan nurses David back to health and becomes his business partner, protecting his mortgaged property from two avaricious moneylenders. Seeking vengeance, the moneylenders incite the natives to revolt.
Acting
Pauline Starke's physicality sells 'tough woman' before Hollywood neutered them.
Direction
Fleming hinting at the epic scope he'd later bring to Gone With the Wind.
Cinematography
Solomon Islands location shooting—rare authenticity for 1925 studio product.
Director
Victor Fleming
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Duke Kahanamoku—surfing legend playing Noah Noa—was the Hawaiian swimming champion who introduced surfing to Australia and California.
Based on Jack London's novel, this is peak 'noble white woman civilizes tropics' fantasy that aged like milk in the sun.
US
