Section 4: Hawaii: State of Fantasy

      In 1958, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific came to the big screen.  This film, based on the Broadway play, has many different story lines taking place including reflecting the racism of the era.  While the movie is set in the South Pacific during World War II, as with many island-living movies, it is associated with Hawaii. While the tropic scenery is already beautiful, strangely filtered lenses indicate when a scene is meant to be dream-like.
 
     The filtered lenses are used in the enchanting musical scene "Bali Ha'i",  making the off-in-the- distance island even more alluring and attractive.  This magical fantasy island is given feminine attributes as it beckons and calls to the men who lay eyes on it.  In adding to the femininity of the island, it is explained that this is where the planters daughters as well as the young island women are housed so as to save them from the desires of the American military men stationed in the South Pacific. This type of taboo placed on the island perpetuates the Hollywood practice of depicting the islands and its people as enticing but off limits.  The women of the island range in depiction from young to old, thin to heavy, attractive to unattractive.  The American woman who are military nurses on the island are all attractive, fit and "off-limits" to the enlisted men making the idea of the island women of Bali Ha'i even more enticing and appealing to the Euroamerican men.

     Blue Hawaii, introduced a new era of Hawaii to movie goers.  Taking place shortly after Statehood, Elvis brought sex appeal to a man who while Euroamerican, had strong ties to the island.  Despite his parents wishes that he carry on the family business, Chadwick Gates had plans to open up his own tour business on Oahu after his two year stint in the army.  The beautiful, brightly colored scenery (as well as clothing) and million dollar photography of Blue Hawaii is a selling point to encourage the idea of travel to paradise.

     Despite the beautiful scenery, the locals in the film are portrayed as not having responsible or respectful jobs.  The Gate's houseboy/bulter is named Ping Pong. Maile, Chad's girlfriend is not respected as a proper choice for Chad according to his mother.  Despite her clearly racist opinions of locals, Chad marries Maile in the films stunning finale, showing an inter-racial relationship finally coming to fruition (marriage).  Still, getting to that point (the iconic wedding photo shown below), Maile is depicted as bending to Chad's every will, including having very little say to his marriage proposal.