Cast
View All
Macdonald Carey
as Jake 'Smitty' Davis
Shelley Winters
as Coral
Luther Adler
as Cognac
Frank Lovejoy
as Doc
Helena Carter
as Margaret Landis
Liberace
as Maestro
Art Smith
as William Grayson
John Ridgely
as Don Williams
James Flavin
as Andrews
Molly Lamont
as Kay Williams
Si-Lan Chen
as Lee
Henry Kulky
as Bartender
Fred Nurney
as Police Captain Salsa
Phil Nazir
as Lieutenant
Hazel Dohlman
as Party Guest (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- H. Bruce Humberstone
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, South Sea Sinner examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director H. Bruce Humberstone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of South Sea Sinner took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 255 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While South Sea Sinner shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike San Francisco, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, South Sea Sinner offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Naked Alibi and Come and Get It explore similar territory, South Sea Sinner stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 30, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 28m
