Cast
View All
Eleanor Powell
as Miss Dorothy 'Dot' March
Robert Young
as Brooks Mason / George Smith
George Burns
as Joe Duffy
Gracie Allen
as Millicent 'Millie' De Grasse
Rita Johnson
as Cecelia Grayson
Clarence Kolb
as Mr. Horace Grayson
Jo Ann Sayers
as Nurse
Ann Morriss
as Gale Brewster
Willie Fung
as Wong
Cliff Clark
as First Detective
Edward Gargan
as Second Detective
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson
as Washington
Sig Ruman
as Psychiatrist
Ruth Hussey
as Eve
Kealohu Holt
as Native Dancing Girl
Crew
Director
- Edward Buzzell
Writer
- George Oppenheimer
- Harry Ruskin
Producer
- Jack Cummings
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Honolulu represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Edward Buzzell 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, 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 Honolulu took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 107 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 217 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Honolulu shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cover Girl, which focuses more on action than character development, Honolulu subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Annie: A Royal Adventure and The Chipmunk Adventure explore similar territory, Honolulu stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: February 3, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 24m
