A crusty, eccentric priest recruits three reluctant convicts to help him rescue a children's leper colony from a Pacific island menaced by a smoldering volcano.
Acting
Tracy's volcanic priesthood meets Sinatra's reluctant swagger.
Practical Effects
1961 volcano destruction — no CGI, just commitment and matte paintings.
Score
Georges Auric's overwrought orchestration wants you to FEEL things.
Director
Mervyn LeRoy
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sinatra demanded top billing over Tracy despite Tracy having the larger role — their feud was reportedly volcanic off-set too.
Filmed on Kauai just as Hawaii was becoming state — the 'exotic' Pacific setting now reads as awkward colonial fantasy.
US
