HAWAII

 An old-fashioned epic and a remarkably intelligent one, "Hawaii" was only George Roy Hill's fourth film and was based on James A. Michener's best-selling novel. Set during the 19th century it's about how Christianity was brought to the 'heathens' of Hawaii and its sister islands except that here Christianity is represented by the hellfire and brimstone preacher Abner Hale, superbly played by Max von Sydow and his attitudes are anything but Christ-like.

His wife is an equally superb Julie Andrews and it's she who is truly good, being virtually adopted on arrival by the island's queen, (Jocelyne LaGarde, magnificent and Oscar-nominated in her only film role) and it's Julie's love that finally softens Abner's heart though you might conclude a little too late.

Of course, this could just have been another island adventure yarn and it was rare for Hollywood in the sixties to back a three hour epic with religion at its centre though piety is conspicuously absent; there's just enough sex and violence as well as handsome whaler Richard Harris to appeal to a mass audience. Unfortunately the film wasn't really a success and consequently it isn't much seen these days. A pity as it really is very good.