On an Island with You

1948

On an Island with You

Critics Consensus

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TOMATOMETER

Total Count: N/A

46%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 491

Super Reviewer

On an Island with You Photos

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Movie Info

The title of this MGM musical alone should tip you to the fact that Esther Williams is the star. In this one, she plays a movie star (what an innovation!), Rosalind Reynolds, who is on location in Hawaii to shoot a picture. Peter Lawford plays the film's naval technical advisor, Lt. Lawrence Y. Kingslee, who naturally falls deeply in love with Rosalind. As a means of expressing his ardor, Kingslee genteelly kidnaps Rosalind by "accidentally" marooning her on a desert island. To the dismay of feminists everywhere, Rosalind comes to enjoy being Kingslee's prisoner, and all ends happily. Jimmy Durante breaks up da joint in the role of an assistant director, while music is provided by MGM's all-purpose bandleader Xavier Cugat. The Technicolor process is shown to supreme advantage whenever it concentrates on Esther Williams' form-fitting gold-colored swimsuit. On an Island with You was one of MGM's premiere moneymakers of 1948.

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Classics, Comedy, Drama, Musical & Performing Arts
Directed By:

Richard Thorpe
Written By:

Dorothy Kingsley, Dorothy Cooper, Charles Martin, Hans Wilhelm
In Theaters:

May 3, 1948 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Jul 17, 2007
Runtime:

107 minutes
Studio:

Warner Home Video

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Cast

Esther Williams
as Rosalind Reynolds

Peter Lawford
as Lt. Lawrence Y. Kingslee

Ricardo Montalban
as Ricardo Montez

Jimmy Durante
as Buckley

Cyd Charisse
as Yvonne Torro

Leon Ames
as Cmdr. Harrison

Kathryn Beaumont
as Penelope Peabody

Dick Simmons
as George Blaine

Richard Simmons
as George Blaine

Marie Windsor
as Jane

Arthur J. Walsh
as 2nd Assistant Director

James Dale
as Navigator

Nina Ross
as Mrs. Peabody

Betty Reilly
as Vocalist

Kay Norton
as Martha the Hairdresser

Nolan Leary
as Cameraman

Chester Clute
as Tommy the Waiter

Carl Leviness
as Desk Clerk

Cosmo Sardo
as Barber

Dick Winslow
as Bald Radio Operator

Jim Dale
as Navigator

Sam Tubuo
as Native Chief

Lester Dorr
as Photographer

Franklin Parker
as Lieutenant/Technical Advisor

Xavier Cugat
as Himself

Emelia Leovalli
as Grandmother

Uluao Letuli
as Sword Dancer

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Critic Reviews for On an Island with You

All Critics (1)

The lush Technicolor, great swimming numbers and high production values are all this stiff film has going for it.

Jul 29, 2016 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

View All Critic Reviews (1)

Audience Reviews for On an Island with You

Sep 13, 2008

i never even heard of this one before (although i have seen clips previously) and, typical of mgm musicals, it's chock full of misspent talent, talent overflowing, a veritable pool of talent (i make myself laff!). ricardo montalban is incredible, dancing with cyd charisse and swimming with esther flawlessly, the unexpected performance of a lifetime. jimmy durante is in-your-face with making you respect vaudeville, no small feat, and respect it you do after he is done. cyd charisse...is simply timeless perfection of dance. maestro xavier cugat ain't about to be outdone by anybody, and, in such talented company, even peter lawford dutifully turns in a decent showing. all this firepower and for a trifle, a cinnamon roll! zowie! and then, of course, rising from beneath the waves, her arms outstretched, her face beaming a smile as if she were glad to see us home, all of us, sweet mother of god, beaming, is esther herself!

Kevin M. W Super Reviewer