It's easy for some viewers to sit back in their easy chair and criticize works (often made before they were born) for the lack of special effects - this superior work is about character, not spectacular effects. Effects in this era were limited to rear projection or models, and when tackling a subject serious as this - knowing the majority of audiences prefer a happy ending - you weren't going to make a lot of money. It was brave enough of master filmmaker Carol Read (or any movie maker) to take on a Joseph Conrad novel, let alone one as detailed as An Outcast of the Islands. Outcast, like other Conrad writings, is an in-depth study of a heart filled with darkness, a soul on a path of selfish self-destruction. Trevor Howard is superb as Willems, a waif taken under the protective wing of a kindly sea captain (Ralph Richardson) who offers a guiding hand and employment in his trading business. When Willems attempts to go it alone, his all-consuming greed takes control - leading him to fraudulently cheat his employers at every opportunity.
Forced on the run he goes into hiding, relying once more on his kindly benefactor. It's here he forms a dalliance with the sultry daughter of a conniving local chieftain - creating deeper complications. Robert Morley is equally excellent as yet another opportunistic 'fortune-hunter' who marries the boss's daughter to secure employment and a home - while waiting in the wings to take over the business. Wonderful Wendy Hiller is the daughter/wife treated as a dishrag and mother to their daughter. Her role is an alteration from Conrad's original native girl - possibly to make the film more appealing in the world marketplace, and while a secondary character she's always a joy to see.
The eventual showdown between adopted father and his corrupt charge is dynamic in its setting and verbal power - making this a perfect (while slightly flawed) masterpiece - a vividly detailed examination of morality over immorality. Between Reed's intelligent direction, William Fairchild's biting screenplay and the combined photographic talents of Ted Scaife (The Third Man) John Wilcox (The Last Valley) Ted Moore (Man for all Seasons) and Freddie Francis (The Elephant Man) making up the splendid Cinematography team. Shooting in rugged tropical locations in stark B/W, nothing could be visually more striking. Then add Brian Easdale's broadly descriptive music score - it's almost motion picture perfection. Anyone who knows how to visually 'read' a vintage classic should see this amazing film.
The Studio Canal remastered DVD treatment is most impressive in its visual quality and sound.
Forced on the run he goes into hiding, relying once more on his kindly benefactor. It's here he forms a dalliance with the sultry daughter of a conniving local chieftain - creating deeper complications. Robert Morley is equally excellent as yet another opportunistic 'fortune-hunter' who marries the boss's daughter to secure employment and a home - while waiting in the wings to take over the business. Wonderful Wendy Hiller is the daughter/wife treated as a dishrag and mother to their daughter. Her role is an alteration from Conrad's original native girl - possibly to make the film more appealing in the world marketplace, and while a secondary character she's always a joy to see.
The eventual showdown between adopted father and his corrupt charge is dynamic in its setting and verbal power - making this a perfect (while slightly flawed) masterpiece - a vividly detailed examination of morality over immorality. Between Reed's intelligent direction, William Fairchild's biting screenplay and the combined photographic talents of Ted Scaife (The Third Man) John Wilcox (The Last Valley) Ted Moore (Man for all Seasons) and Freddie Francis (The Elephant Man) making up the splendid Cinematography team. Shooting in rugged tropical locations in stark B/W, nothing could be visually more striking. Then add Brian Easdale's broadly descriptive music score - it's almost motion picture perfection. Anyone who knows how to visually 'read' a vintage classic should see this amazing film.
The Studio Canal remastered DVD treatment is most impressive in its visual quality and sound.