A Lagoa Azul

I saw this movie years ago (on a snowy b/w portable before cable).

The remake is true to this original with the exception of the ending. The fate of the trio was left in the air, unlike the promise of a "happy ending" of the remake. Nudity was not as blatant in this version. It was natural and more innocent than the remake.

I loved it. A true classic original that I would love to see again! I was disappointed when I wrote to England to find out that this movie is indefinitely withdrawal from future viewing.

The very first version of "The Blue Lagoon" was a silent film back in 1923. This is a lovely sound version...one significantly better than the sleazy 1980 version which emphasized sex...something rather disturbing considering how young these folks are supposed to be. Here, we have a more wholesome and better version..one actually worth your time.

The story begins with a ship sinking. Two small children and an old man manage to get aboard a dingy and they paddle away until they eventually find a habitable island. Sadly, the old man soon dies and the pair are left to care for themselves. The film then jumps ahead ten years and most of the film consists of their adventures and their ultimate fates.

This is a modestly enjoable film with one big problem...the ending is incredibly downbeat and not especially enjoyable. Still, it is well made, the characters are NOT highly sexualizes like the later film and it is mostly enjoyable.

By the way, it's really not that important, but IMDB's summary says this occurs during the Victorian era. Well, it actually occurs just AFTER Victoria's death...provbably about 1905 or thereabouts. Victoria and the Victorian era ended in 1901.

After seeing the movie twice in two days in 1949, I asked the opinion of a junior high school classmate who had also seen the movie. He said it was "boring". I shouted "are you kidding?!! This was a movie with the beauty of Jean Simmons, Fiji Island sunsets, the London Symphony Orchestra matching the sound of every pounding wave, a man versus octopus fight to the death, two criminals on the lam who savaged the island paradise and kidnapped the lovely Miss Simmons...and you call it BORING?!!"

I, too, am a little bit miffed that this movie has not been re-released to theaters, video or cable tv. We can only hope that someday the sea mist will lift to show the original Blue Lagoon sparkling in the sun, and to be remembered that way, always.

For the record, the 1949 version of "The Blue Lagoon" is not the original film, as many have stated.

This story was filmed in Great Britain, in 1923, just after the novel was written. As much as I'd love to see the 1949 version, I'd thoroughly enjoy an opportunity at seeing the true original release of this story on film.

Granted, the 1980 film with Christopher Atkins, Brooke Shields, and the two youngsters was filmed with beautiful cinematography. The acting didn't seem all that great when I first viewed this film, but after having viewed this a few times.... it becomes obvious that two children growing up on an island without adult guidance, would indeed have a simplistic way of approaching life.... whether it be in their language, appearance, or daily activities.

Although some have been fortunate enough to view the 1949 "Blue Lagoon", I cannot help but wonder if there is anyone living who can remember the 1923 release of this story to film.

One of my lifetime favourite movies. Saw it circa 1950 as a 10 year-old and it fired my imagination. Apart from causing me to fall in love with Jean Simmons, it's believability and innocence was mesmerizing. Of all of the movies I have ever seen, I think I remember this one the best.

Is there anywhere to purchase a copy of it on tape. Am not a movie collector, but would love to have this one.

Jean Simmons was truly one of the most beautiful and talented movie actresses of all time.