Du rififi chez les Grecs

My interest in this film is based upon some expatriate Australians living on Hydra at the time this film was made in 1962. Writer George Johnston, his wife, writer Charmain Clift, and their children Martin, Shane and Jason, spent c.10 years living on the Greek island of Hydra as writers. (Johnston began his novel "My Brother Jack" not long after this time). In fact, the children were paid extras in one scene filmed on Hydra. According to Nadia Wheatley's biography, "The Life and Myth of Charmain Clift" (Flamingo, Sydney 2001, pp.420 & note), "a glimpse is sometimes to be had of a stylish woman in a large-brimmed hat, sitting at a harbour cafe. She is Charmain, acting herself" (pp.699). "In the 'Island of Love' film, Shane and Martin can be seen running down a cobbled lane, followed by Jason and his little friend Ellenitza" (p.699). Much to my misfortune, I have never seen this film, and it appears it is no longer available on video or dvd or in any format! Argh! As I said, my main interest in the film as a whole is a very minor one, yet I'd still love to see where these people lives during a critical time in their lives.

Maljam - Australia; June 2003.

Hot on the heels of "The Music Man" Robert Preston plays another con man, this time in a scam peddling off-the-shelf Greek antiquities as the real deal, and in an attempt to turn a small Greek-related island into a new Monte Carlo. Very racy for the time.

But he's caught between mobsters whom he scammed in a too-long opening sequence (where the only funny thing is an ice-cream cone) and the local Greek authorities who want to slam him in the slammer (and they should). At one point the authorities forbid him to leave while, coincidentally, the big mobster after his blood is on his way. What is he to do?

Unfortunately Preston, who is very good, is stuck with Tony Randall giving a listless performance, and the overacting Michael Constantine, apparently trying to compensate for Randall's not being there. When I was younger I coined a phrase for Tony's dialed-in non-performances as his being Tony Ran-doll. I suppose he was so good as Felix Unger because better actors had done the role first, showing him how. Let's just say: Randall's been better.

And there's Walter Matthau who, for reasons known only to God, has adopted a lisp. It doesn't help his delivery and it's uneven.

Rather than a comedy in the modern, post-AIRPLANE! Sense, it's really more of a light idyll that once had lovely scenery, but the colors have faded on the unrestored prints available. It has some good notions but it's too timid to fully exploit them. After all, they want Preston as a loveable con man. He's good but he's not close to having the edge as he did with Harold Hill. This time, he doesn't want to collect his bonus and skip town; no, he wants to marry the girl. But she has doubts. As well she should.

"Island of Love" is pleasant diversion that must be seen in wide screen, but nothing to build an evening around. You can watch it while ironing or cooking or doing the dishes. Don't expect many laughs, but it's mostly harmless.

Yes Charmian Clift and her husband George Johnston (of My Brother Jack fame) and her children did live on Hydra for about ten years. They do appear in this movie as paid extras. Charmian is best seen in the wedding scene as they are coming out of the church. Charmian is directly behind the groom and the man with her is Gordon Merrick, a Broadway actor, and best-selling author of gay-themed novels who also lived on Hydra. Their children Martin Johnston(in black-rimmed glasses with his sister Shane Johnston are clearly seen in their own full-frame shot walking along the port and in the next shot Jason Johnston with a local girl. (You will find this vision on YouTube.) Charmian and her children did appear in various movies made on the island especially since the Johnstons became good friends with the director Michael Cacoyannis when he made "The Girl In Black" on Hydra in 1957. Hydra's golden era.

Island Of Love gives Robert Preston a chance to do a variation on his most famous role of Professor Harold Hill. He's not quite as lovable as he was in The Music Man as he seeks to exploit an island that he was on in World War II as the Greek Island Of Love. This brainstorm of an idea comes from reading an archaeological book on said island while on an ocean voyage with his partner Tony Randall.

Preston and Randall aren't on a sea cruise by choice. They're looking to get away from Walter Matthau and his goons for blowing a couple of million dollars of Matthau's money in a vain attempt to make Matthau's bimbo of a girl friend a star. She's played by Betty Bruce and she's really the best one in the film, she reminds one of Jean Hagen in Singing In The Rain only this Lina Lamont is not about to ascend to the firmament.

Matthau was given a lisp here and I'm not sure why. It really does sound like he's making fun of people with a speech impediment.

It all ends well for all although God knows there's no reason it should have. The Greek scenic location photography looks wonderful and it's the main reason you should see this film. I'm sure the cast was grateful for the paid vacation here.

I know that this film may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it. I least I have the memory of having enjoyed it. It has many years since I've seen it. I still check regularly to see if has come to DVD or VHS. I would love to see it again.

Tony Randall is good as usual. Robert Preston and Walter Matthau, while they may not be at their best, are nevertheless still Robert Preston and Walter Matthau. The star power coupled with the pure scenic beauty of the locale is enough of a reason to bring this film to the public again. There are many others of lesser quality which are released today. Why not this one?