DONOVAN'S REEF

PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD
MUSIC BY CYRIL J. MOCKRIDGE
JOHN FORD PRODUCTIONS
PARAMOUNT PICTURES

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/poster.jpg..http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/DR.jpg

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary
'Guns' Donovan prefers carousing with his pals Doc Dedham and 'Boats' Gilhooley,
until Dedham's high-society daughter Amelia shows up in their South Seas paradise.
Summary written by Jim Beaver

Full Cast
John Wayne .... Michael Patrick 'Guns' Donovan
Lee Marvin .... Thomas Aloysius 'Boats' Gilhooley
Elizabeth Allen .... Ameilia Sarah Dedham
Jack Warden .... Dr. William Dedham
Cesar Romero .... Marquis Andre de Lage
Dick Foran .... Australian Navy Officer
Dorothy Lamour .... Miss Lafleur
Marcel Dalio .... Father Cluzeot
Mike Mazurki .... Sergeant Monk Menkowicz
Jacqueline Malouf .... Lelani Dedham
Cherylene Lee .... Sally Dedham
Jeffrey Byron .... Luki Dedham (as Tim Stafford)
Edgar Buchanan .... Boston Attorney
Jon Fong .... Mister Eu
Frank Baker .... Captain Martin (uncredited)
Carmen Estrabeau .... Sister Gabrielle (uncredited)
Harold Fong .... Sells Ameilia a swimsuit (uncredited)
Dan Ford .... Child (uncredited)
Duke Green .... Mate (uncredited)
Sam Harris .... Family council member (uncredited)
Fred Jones .... Family council member (uncredited)
June Y. Kim .... Servant (uncredited)
Carl M. Leviness .... Family council member (uncredited)
King Lockwood .... Lawyer (uncredited)
Cliff Lyons .... Australian Navy officer (uncredited)
Mae Marsh .... Family council member (uncredited)
Michelle Mazurki .... (uncredited)
Ron Nyman .... Naval officer (uncredited)
Yvonne Peattie .... Sister Matthew (uncredited)
John Qualen .... Deck hand who cries 'Man Overboard' (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... Festus (uncredited)
Scott Seaton .... Family council member (uncredited)
Charles Seel .... Grand uncle Sedley Atterbury (uncredited)
Mickey Simpson .... Crewman Gilhooley hits with Mop (uncredited)
John Stafford .... Child (uncredited)
Sara Taft .... Family council member (uncredited)
Ralph Volkie .... James (uncredited)
Aissa Wayne .... Native girl (uncredited)
Patrick Wayne .... Navy Lieutenant (uncredited)
Lee Wood ... Islander (uncredited)

Writing credits
Edmund Beloin story
James Edward Grant
James Michener story (uncredited)
Frank S. Nugent (as Frank Nugent)

Produced
John Ford

Original Music
Cyril J. Mockridge
G. Savoca (song "The Monkeys Have No Tails in Zamboanga") (uncredited)

Cinematography
William H. Clothier

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Wingate Smith .... assistant director

Stunts
Duke Green .... stunts (uncredited)
Tom Hennesy .... stunts (uncredited)
Cliff Lyons .... stunts (uncredited)
Hal Needham .... stunts (uncredited)
Leo C. Richmond .... stunts (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... stunts (uncredited)

Trivia
This is the technically last movie that John Ford and John Wayne worked on together, although Wayne later provided the voice-over narration for Ford's documentary Chesty: A Tribute to a Legend (1976).

Actor John Qualen dubbed the voice of the sailor who yells "Man overboard!" in the opening scene, though it is not Qualen on-screen.

During the scene where Amelia is wishing to "charter the Araner", Donovan states that he owns the Araner and a boat named the Inisfree. Inisfree is the name of the village in Ireland in which The Quiet Man (1952), another John Wayne / John Ford film, takes place.

Actor Mickey Simpson is sometimes mistakenly credited as the mate hit with a mop by Lee Marvin in the opening scene. It is not Simpson but Duke Green.

In a fight with Lee Marvin, John Wayne underestimated an uppercut. He crashed through a table and fell down. Director John Ford decided to leave the scene in the movie.

Ameilia asks the captain "to charter the Araner." That was the real name of John Ford's yacht, which is the yacht used in the movie.

In the beginning, Gilhooley tells the captain who "shanghai'd" him that they were supposed to be at the island "on the 7th". Taking into account the time-line of the movie, ending on Christmas, that would make Donovan and Gilhooley's birthday as December 7th, the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

"Boats" is Navy slang for the rating of *Boatswain's Mate*. "Guns" is Navy slang for the rating of *Gunner's Mate*.

In the movie Donovan and Gilhooley are supposed to share December 7th for their birthday. In real life, Mike Mazurki (Sgt. Monk Menkowicz) was born December 25, 1907.

Patrick Wayne, John Wayne's son, has a small cameo - he plays the Australian Shore Patrol officer that breaks up the final fight.


Goofs
* Continuity: Ameilia loses her stockings after falling in the water.

* Continuity: When Amelia first starts skiing, she loses her bathing cap. After falling in the water, the cap is back on her head.

* Continuity: Ameilia presents Gilhooley with a Christmas present then goes out back of the bar to confront Donovan. When she returns, not more than a couple of minutes later, Gilhooley already has the train set put together on the bar and is playing with it.

* Crew or equipment visible: On the road when the children are forced to leave their home to move in with Donovan, the shadow of the camera is visible on the people as they walk by.

Memorable Quotes (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057007/quotes)

Filming Location
Kaua`i, Hawaii, USA
Waimea Canyon, Kaua'i, Hawaii, USA

Watch the Trailer:-

6_MZ_prkQ0I

Hi,
The last and final film together, Ford intended another 'Rip roaring, comedy'
However, it didn't quite work, and as Ford was now past his sell by date,
it made matters worse.
However, I enjoyed the film, and particularly the title music, "Pearly Shells",
The story was fair, and the paring of Duke and LeeMarvin, a good one.
There was good chemistry, and it was obvious the pair got on professionally,
and from all accounts....socially!!!
Pilar Wayne, said that Lee Marvin, was constantly drunk and a confused person!!
Elizabeth provided a not too bad, love interest.
This was, however, to be the last time Duke was to lust,
over a much younger woman.
His days were numbered as a leading man, lover role.
After this, his father/grandfather roles came to the fore,
and as we know from his later films,
they were roles, that he looked comfortable, and at ease with.
The film bordered at time, on childish humour, with a good spattering
of Duke's, " Who me?" and 'knocked over the head looks'!
Overall, a contrived and poor picture, but not too bad as entertainment.
Rating 5/10

Hi

I agree that Donovan's Reef if taken as pure fun is a reasonable movie. However it didn't sit well with some people who were uncomfortable about suggested racial undertones.

Personally I think you would have to be a sad person to look for that in a picture, but obviously there are some that do.

I must admit that I am surprised that Ford used Lee Marvin after their exchanges during the Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, but as they said Ford was becoming way past his sell by date.


Regards

Arthur

We agree with both of you. We've always found this to be a fun movie, definitely not among the best, but entertaining.

Chester :newyear:

Hi,
I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
looking for previous discussion, relating to the movies.
I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
so that they are now under one forum:-

Donovan's Reef (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=1101)

Deep Discount DVD (http://search.deepdiscountdvd.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=donovan%27s+reef&search.x=0&search.y=0) has this film for under $10, and also offers 3 movie posters.

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/002-3581901-1689624?search-alias=aps&keywords=donovan's%20reef) has the movie in both DVD and VHS, and also has a "decorative poster."

Chester :newyear:

I'm one of those who loves this movie for different reasons.

John Ford knew how to pick a location.

Dad was in the Army stationed in Hawaii when I was a kid. We lived there for two years.
The location on "Reef" reminds me of the beauty of the Islands.

There is the connection of the Second World War in the Pacific and these men were sailors. I'm a Navy vet. and really like Dukes Navy charaters/movies.

Grant it this movie is not Fort Apache which the first time I saw it I hated it. I could not stand Henry Fonda's character. It took watching it about three times before I saw it for what it was. Looking at the scenery, the story line, the era.
This movie had complexities "Reef" does not have and should not have.

"Reef" is post war a time of trying to take in the beauty of the islands they fought and died on. This was home during the war where their friends lived and died and they took ownership of sorts.

Living a light hearted easy going life, a piece of heaven.

So no it's no great work of the cinema. But in my estimation a movie worth watching if nothing else for the fun of it.

Hi

http://www.dukewayne.com/imagehosting/thum_22545d87afd84dbe.jpg (http://www.dukewayne.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=231)

I've had this photograph in my collection for some time but I think this is the first time I've shown it. Don't know why? it's not a bad photo advertising not a bad film.

Regards

Arthur

Have to admit I am not fussed on this movie.

It should have been a knockabout movie but as Keith says Ford was past his best and it doent have enough to keep you interested.


Mike

Even John Ford got up on the wrong side of bed at times.

Though, when I watch this movie, I feel like catching a flight to Maui.:hyper:

Chester :newyear:

I have to say I enjoy this film! No there isn't alot of depth in it but it is enjoyable and I think it shows the Dukes ability to portray a funny character.

And too the scenery can't be beat! No it's not deep but it is a fun film.

Also Kauai, where it was filmed.
I've been to Oahu, but not the others!

The Mrs. and I visited Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, 26 years ago. Interestingly,
nine months later our first child was born.:ohmy:

Chester :newyear:

Jim,

I thought the experience was wonderful,
as you can appreiate it's quite a haul,
for us guys to take on a vacation like that!
Incidently, for our connections
we flew in through SF
and on the way back through LA!

If you ever go through SFO again, give us a holler. If you're on the ground long enough, maybe we could meet for a pint or two.

Did you have long enough layovers to visit in either SF or LA?

Chester :newyear:

Jim,

At the time, we had a toddler, was a bit hesitant
about exploring.
However I was in SF fo a week in th '70's.
I drove down from Vancouver to SF
in a big black Buick, camping
on the way down,
in Washington and Oregon,
great experience!
Camping on the Pacific coast was magic!
Incidently it was exactly the same time
when Mt. St. Helens blew it's top,
the weather was wierd.

Thought you might enjoy seeing the theater poster . . .

Chester :newyear:

Another good one and thanks for posting

Keith,

Your welcome. This is another one that Les Adams, from Abilene, Texas shared with us.

Chester :newyear:

Hi all,
I wathched this movie today for the first time. I was always postponding purchasing it, becouse for me it is too the last of Duke-Ford movies, which I had't see before. One reason was - want to have something bright left for myself in future.

And I wasn't dissapointed, but exited aftre seeing it. I think this movie is underrated. It was shot after dark and moody The Man Who Shot Liberty Vilance - in which Old West is changing so much and it seems nothing left for man to stand for.

But in this light comedy Ford put so many things he loved - islands, Araner, Christmas Service (last one with a touch of irony - Lee Marvin as a wise King of USA) and it is so human. And of course nice man charecters. Duke on the lead.

I love this movie.

Regards,
Senta

Hi,
Only want to bump it to remain you that after all it is Christmas movie too!
Regards,
Senta

I great, knockabout romp, I liked Lee Marvin in this one, him & JW look to be having a hoot filming the movie :teeth_smile:

It seems somewhat strange though that this funny film would be the last Ford and the Duke would make together. It's definitely not a serious film and I guess I'd have expected those two to make a big bang up film for their last effort together. But then again, I guess you never know it's going to be your last till it turns out to be either.

I'm certainly glad they made this one as it is fun to watch. Also, isn't this the last film in which Duke plays the romantic part with a young woman?

Also, isn't this the last film in which Duke plays the romantic part with a young woman?
I believe you're right about that, Tbone. After that, he's "comfortable."

Chester :newyear:

Here is a press kit for Donovan's Reef published in Japan.
Nice photo.

H.sanada

I love it, it makes me smile the roof that never gets fixed the fights the aussie navy / local gendarme brawl not the least of which.

<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVQ4w0kft60&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVQ4w0kft60&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>

I have always liked this movie and remember it well from late 60's and early 70's on TV. Ever since it has been available on both VHS Tape & DVD I have acquired a copy of each release to see which print they have used. Alas, they are all the same and do not show the movie as it was originally released or at least as shown on earlier TV movies. I distinctly remember Ameilia (Elizabeth Allen) falling off the back of the Jeep twice during the movie but all the Tape & DVD release versions only show this once near the end of the movie - and it is evident that it did happen twice because John Wayne says to her after the fall, "Not again". a reference to the fact it had happened before. The movie has clearly been re-edited since its original release.
Does anyone know of a DVD release that shows the full movie or at least the two fall version?

Hi Cong

WELCOME to The JWMB-
The Original John Wayne Message Board
where fans come to have fun!

Please take a look around,
we're a friendly bunch of folks,
and there is a wealth of information to see,
regarding the great man.

You may find these links useful:-


John Wayne:- A Newbies Guide to Duke
(http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=4134)

Link to Duke's Movies, Co-Stars- Pals Of The Saddle and Movie Locations (http://www.dukewayne.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5")

hi
when i first saw donovan's reef i was'nt to pushed on the movie.i taught it was ok.to be honest with you it was boring.i saw the film when i was about 14 it didnt appeal to me.i have only watched it once since then until the other nite.to my surprise i really enjoyed the film.john wayne and lee marvin were great and the location was magnificent.the christmas scene is one of my favourite scences in the film.john wayne did an excellent job as guns donovan's.it proves that john wayne can do comedy as we new he could do anyway

I agree that Duke could do comedy as well as anyone! As for DR, I like bits more than the whole tho. Marvin & Duke DID make a great team, too bad they didn't do more films together. The bar brawl was fun-actually the brawls were the best parts of the film IMHO. For myself, I thought Elizabeth Allen was another good match for Duke, but I couldn't buy her as Warden's daughter. It's just a time killer for me.

Great fun to watch this movie! I liked it as a child and I still like it... It has become some kind of a tradition for me to watch Donovan´s Reef on DVD on New Years Eve.

I bought a fine DVD of Donovan´s Reef that was released for the Duke´s 100th Birthday with a large movie poster - another nice piece for my collection!

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/wayne413.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2447&amp;u=11975903)

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Lobby Card Mexicaine

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Can't knock the location!

Can't knock the location!
I think it's been said before, "Seems like they were more on vacation, than making a movie !

Chester :newyear:

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/wayn1253.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=3981&amp;u=11975903)

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/duke_c76.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=4119&amp;u=11975903)

Here's an interesting video about what the place where the beach house used to be looks like today.

CJ-a2J6zQEE

Hey, ej, thanks for that video, it was kind of neat!

Is that your video, or some other John Wayne fan? He sure got Duke's verbal inflection down! Pretty funny!

Chester :newyear:

Great video ej, thanks for posting it

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/duke_c87.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=4136&amp;u=11975903)

Hey, ej, thanks for that video, it was kind of neat!

Is that your video, or some other John Wayne fan? He sure got Duke's verbal inflection down! Pretty funny!

Chester :newyear:

No, it's not mine, I just stumbled upon it randomly on Youtube.

http://i47.servimg.com/u/f47/11/97/59/03/a_du1003.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=9470&u=11975903)

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