South Pacific (1958)

In the throes of 1943, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, the United States Navy stakes their claim on the Solomon Islands, their eyes set on the strategic invasion of New Guinea and the Central Pacific. On one such island, the narrative finds its pivot in Emile de Becque, a seasoned French planter whose intimate knowledge of the surrounding territories has caught the Navy's attention. They wish for him to become their eyes, their scout against the lurking Japanese forces. Enter Nellie Forbush, a vibrant young nurse from Little Rock, serving in a military hospital on the island. On an enchanted evening away from the wards, she crosses paths with de Becque, setting the stage for a romance that interweaves with the impending war. The question lingers — can a girl from a small town find true happiness with a man like de Becque, or shall she wash him out of her hair and stick to her roots? Parallel to this, the island's philosophy-spinning matriarch, Bloody Mary, introduces a poignant subplot with her daughter, Liat. Liat, an enchanting island beauty, ensnares the heart of Lt. Joseph Cable of the USMC, painting a tender, yet complex picture of love in the times of war. As they wait for action, the sailors and nurses ignite the island's air with a musical comedy show, their joviality contrasting the ever-encroaching reality of war. The breathtaking scenery and outstanding musical score serve as the canvas for this intricate tapestry of love, duty, and the human spirit. The saga of Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque soon morphs from a romantic dalliance into a poignant drama, as the war inches closer, threatening to consume their newfound love in the furnace of the South Pacific.

South Pacific is a music movie featuring Joan Fontaine.

South Pacific is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy South Pacific on Amazon Video and Vudu.