Virgin Island (film)

Countryman Films Ltd.

Industry	Film production
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

Virgin Island (known in the United States as Our Virgin Island) is a 1958 British drama film helmed by director Pat Jackson, featuring performances by John Cassavetes, Virginia Maskell, and Sidney Poitier. The screenplay, adapted by Ring Lardner Jr., is based on Robb White's 1953 memoir Our Virgin Island. The film was produced under Countryman Films Ltd. and released through British Lion Film Corporation.

Premise

The story follows a British woman who weds an American author against her family's wishes and relocates with him to a remote tropical island.

Production

The movie was shot on location in the British Virgin Islands, where the production encountered several difficulties. Cinematographer Freddie Francis recounted feeling "pressured" by producer Leon Clore to participate, despite director Pat Jackson’s documentary style conflicting with the expectations of lead actors Cassavetes and Poitier. Friction developed when the principal actors suggested that Francis assume directing duties; however, Clore refused this proposal, which contributed to a strained atmosphere during filming.

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin praised the film's lighthearted charm when steering clear of heavy drama, describing its comedic elements as "gaily and romantically successful" and noting its infectious enthusiasm. Nonetheless, it critiqued John Cassavetes' intense moments and the film’s didactic speeches, while commending Sidney Poitier’s energetic portrayal and Virginia Maskell’s engaging screen presence.

Picture Show regarded the movie as a "delightful romantic comedy," highlighting the appealing chemistry between Cassavetes and Maskell, the story’s breezy yet captivating nature, and the picturesque island cinematography.

On the other hand, The Radio Times Guide to Films assigned a 2/5 star rating, labeling it a dull travelogue marked by foolish dialogue and suggesting that Cassavetes did not embody the traits of an effective romantic lead.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan gave it a "good" rating, characterizing the film as warm and cheerful but occasionally overly moralistic.