When exactly is this film supposed to have taken place? I know it was filmed in 1963, but I see a lot of naval/military references. Is it supposed to have taken place closer to WWII? The military and south Pacific things lead one to believe this took place close to the war.
shareThere are several clues as to the time frame of this film. It is obvious that that Donovan, Gilhooly and the doctor all served in the Navy during the Second World War.
Donavan and the Doctor have returned after the war to the Island. The Doctor married a native noblewoman and has three children, the oldest, a girl appears to be about 12-14 years old. 1945 + 12 = 1957.
Cesar Romero's (Chinese?) aide, Mister Eu, is introduced to Miss Dedham and he announces himself as "Amherst, '52." Mister Eu is a graduate of Amherst College, class of 1952.
How long would it take an American ex-patriot to acquire two inter-island sailing vessels, and the ownership of a saloon on a French Polynesian Island?
My guess 1957-59.
bassoon-2's remarks are relevant but he forgot another clue as to the time frame of the movie. Amelia was born right after her father was drafted, probably right after Pearl Harbor (for apparently this is where Wayne, Marvin and Warden first met). Amelia is at least 21 when she arrives on the island. So my guess is 1962. Does it make sense to you?
shareHmm! So assuming Donovan was 18 when he enlisted, he would be around 40yrs when he meets 21yr old Amelia. Not quite a May-Dec union, but getting there... :) Of course, Andre' "looked" even older.
Overall, a good, light-hearted, enjoyable romp.
Like most others on the thread, my impression was that the story took place during the time it was filmed, especially given that Amelia was born while her father was serving. I saw it as a kid when it was first released and had the sense that it was contemporary.
shareI'd say 1962-3 as well.
The age difference between John Wayne's character Donovan and Amelia is definitely pushing it. It is one of those things you have to over-look when watching the movie, once it settles into your thinking.
Donovan and the Doc served together, although the doctor was older, and Donovan ends up romantically involved with his daughter. I don't know?
I still love this movie.