An overwrought, overcooked screen-adaptation of Peter Gilman's book by screenwriter Marguerite Roberts concerning a politician and land baron in Hawaii who is having an affair with a native girl--yet who butts heads with his own sister over her affair with an island boy! Somewhat stilted soaper from director Guy Green is occasionally funny unintentionally. Despite a good cast (including Charlton Heston, Yvette Mimieux, and James Darren), the characters themselves aren't a very likable lot, and the plot-developments are eventually stagnated by Roberts and Green's lack of inspiration and invention. There was potential here for a really strong melodrama, but it goes unrealized. The Hawaiian locales are certainly nice compensation, as is Johnny Williams' rousing score. **1/2 from ****
Review of Diamond Head
