Pacific Destiny

Pacific Destiny is a 1956 British drama film helmed by director Wolf Rilla, featuring performances by Denholm Elliott, Susan Stephen, and Michael Hordern. The script, crafted by Richard Mason and Jack Lee, adapts the 1952 memoir A Pattern of Islands authored by Sir Arthur Grimble. The memoir recounts Grimble's experiences as a cadet officer and Resident Commissioner in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands during the 1920s.

The narrative centers on a young British couple who gradually win the admiration of the indigenous population on a South Pacific island amid the colonial period. Filming took place on-site in the Samoa.

Plot

This film portrays the authentic journey of Arthur Grimble, a novice District Officer Cadet, who arrives with his wife Olivia to serve in the Colonial Service on a remote Pacific island. Initially struggling to secure favor from his superior, the Resident Commissioner, Grimble’s missteps result in his transfer to a smaller neighboring island. Olivia remains steadfast in her support, ultimately helping them gain the islanders’ respect.

Cast

• Gilbert Harding as narrator
• Denholm Elliott portraying Arthur Grimble
• Susan Stephen as Olivia Grimble
• Michael Hordern in the role of Resident Commissioner
• Felix Felton as uncle
• Peter Bathurst as uncle
• Clifford Buckton as uncle
• Gordon Jackson playing District Officer
• Inia Te Wiata as Tauvela
• Henrietta Godinet as Lama
• Su'a Ezra Tavete Williams in the role of Tiki-Tiku
• Hans Kruse portraying Kitiona
• Ollie Crichton as Taloa
• Rosie Leavasa as Sea Wind
• Moira Walker as Voice-of-the-Tide
• Sani as King's-Bundle-Of-Mats
• Fiti's Grandmother
• John Bryce portraying Tulo
• Tuiletufuga Taualai as Matangi
• Afamasaga Kalapu in the role of Teraloa
• Ovalau Bureta playing Fa'afetai
• Cecilia Fabricious as Movement-Of-Clouds
• Polo portraying Fa'alavelave
• Tusa as prisoner
• Noa acting as warder

Dance sequences were coordinated by The Hon. Peseta Sio and Mailo.

Critical reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, Pacific Destiny presents an uncommon locale along with a variety of scenes ranging from humorous to dramatic. Though its episodic screenplay tends to simplify both characters and plotlines, the shark encounter injects a measure of suspense. The use of CinemaScope and Eastman Colour effectively accentuates the tropical environment, even if the portrayal of vibrant islander life could have been expanded. Performances by Denholm Elliott and Susan Stephen are solid, while Michael Hordern’s depiction of the Commissioner is particularly noteworthy. Despite certain constraints, the film maintains a warm and straightforward tone.

Leonard Maltin labeled it a "Boring (but true) story," whereas TV Guide recognized Elliott and Hordern’s acting but described the movie as "a routine and boring story with a pretty picture backdrop."