Prince Keoki Kanakoa pleads for the promised word of God. Humorless stiff Abner Hale (Max von Sydow) and his newly married wife Jerusha (Julie Andrews) join him on the treacherous voyage to Hawaii. They meet the aliʻi nui, Keoki's mother Malama in Lahaina, Maui. She takes Jerusha to teach her writing. The permissive sexuality, native traditions on marriages and other practices cause a rift between Abner and the natives. Abner demands that Malama end her marriage to her brother which is the custom at the time. Capt. Rafer Hoxworth (Richard Harris) and his whalers cause disruptions. Rafer was actually Jerusha's love but she had assumed he stopped writing. He insists otherwise and vows never to pass on other women again. Malama installs strict new laws and the whalers riot. Brother John Whipple (Gene Hackman) leaves the church after marrying brother Abraham to a native which caused Abraham to be expelled.
This is one part of the James A. Michener's epic novel Hawaii. It's still too big and should have followed Jerusha instead. Abner is an unpleasant man to center a movie around. Her story is much more fascinating anyways. She's actually the center of every relationship in the movie. It would allow Richard Harris to be introduced earlier. She should not be reduced to a simple dutiful wife. It's more compelling to see her navigate her restricted roles in an expanded world. These are great actors and Jocelyne LaGarde is a real find.
This is one part of the James A. Michener's epic novel Hawaii. It's still too big and should have followed Jerusha instead. Abner is an unpleasant man to center a movie around. Her story is much more fascinating anyways. She's actually the center of every relationship in the movie. It would allow Richard Harris to be introduced earlier. She should not be reduced to a simple dutiful wife. It's more compelling to see her navigate her restricted roles in an expanded world. These are great actors and Jocelyne LaGarde is a real find.