To the break room Classic Film Fans, it's Tea time for a Coffee Break... As we group watch #ISLANDINTHESUN ('57) for @TCM #SOTM #DorothyDandridge, I'll be Twitterbuggin' during the film. If you've ever followed my Brando live tweets... I tweet a lot. Be prepared. Have fun! THREAD

Oh, island in the sun/Willed to me by my father's hand

Written by Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie, Belafonte would also include this title song on his 1957 album 'Belafonte Sings of the Caribbean.'

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

I was introduced to #DorothyDandridge very early. She was as well known to me growing up as Sophia Loren or Elizabeth Taylor. It never occurred to me that outside the house, she wasn't as well known.

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Also have to give credit and make mention of Halle Barry in INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1999), which (as I feel about THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY (1991)) does almost a better job than theatrical release biopics we get of Hollywood stars/Entertainers.

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Before we begin, 2 words are commonly used when watching #IslandInTheSun, especially among our younger voices: "Wasted potential." After finishing this film, if it's new to you, you may see why. HOWEVER, keep in mind the sign of the times. We'll get to that throughout.

#TCMParty

Tho the island in #IslandInTheSun (Island of Santa Marta) is a fictions one, it was shot in the West Indies. Starting production Oct '56, after the novel's release Jan '56, shooting taking place between Barbados + Grenada before transporting for studio work to London.

#TCMParty

Hey John. *breaks fourth wall* Yeah, we're in good hands, Guys 'n Dolls. *turns back to screen*

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

We'll come back to this in a min.

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Shared this during my #Sayonara Twitterbug session but, worth repeating. At 18, #PatriciaOwens film debut was in the British Musical MISS LONDON LTD ('43). Her US film debut was #ISLANDINTHESUN ('57) (probably most known for playing "Hélène Delambre" in THE FLY ('58)).

#TCMParty

Joan Collins only had a few weeks between wrapping on filming SEA WIFE (1957) before beginning shooting on #IslandInTheSun.

#TCMParty

Another note of interest, I've shared before, and probably more known now, however, Patricia Owens father, the WWII MI5 Double Agent Arthur Owens, codename "Agent Snow" or "SNOW," was something Patricia did not talk of during her Hollywood years.

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Patricia never talked about her father during the yrs of her success. But in the 1980s she returned to Britain to try to find Arthur. By this time he had disappeared to Ireland and she could find no trace of him..." (full read): https://walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/revealed-double-life-welsh-master-1826486

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Wait ... Stephen Boyd alert!

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

This would be the third and final film Belafonte and #DorothyDandridge would make together. (Belafonte's film debut BRIGHT ROAD (1953) and CARMEN JONES (1954), both prior.)

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Introducing (officially) John Justin to the party ...

#TCMParty
#IslandInTheSun

The ciggy. Again.

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Beginning his professional singing career in 1952, Belafonte won a TONY for his performance in JOHN MURRAY ANDERSON'S ALMANAC on Broadway, the same year of his film debut in BRIGHT ROAD, 1953.

(Belafonte performs Waldorf-Astoria, NY + Riviera, 1956/57.)
#IslandInTheSun
#TCMParty

Since the thread broke , pick it up here ... and carry on: https://twitter.com/DominiqueRevue/status/1310374694940545030?s=19

#IslandInTheSun
#TCMPrty