Donovan's Reef

This was one of the best of John Ford films. and the last one with Wayne! It's a feel good film with plenty of laughs.Thanks in large part to Lee Marvin's performance (Marvin had to be coxed by Ford to Hawaii to play this role) as the rude, crude, dude - Gilhooley: a cantankerous, drunkin' former ship-mate and "frienemey'' of Donovan (John Wayne). Their fights are hilarious. The supporting cast, that includes Cesar Romero,and Dorthy Lamour, is wonderfully charming and endearing. The movie is set on a island in the Pacific,called "Haleakaloha," once under Japanese occupation in WW II. US Navy sailors: Donovan, Gilhooley,and the Doc (Jack Warden), were hidden by the late native island princess, who later married the Doc, and gave him three young children. Doc's other estranged adult daughter comes to the island from Boston to investigate any possible "immoral behavior" by her father, and possibly take his inheritance. The children hidden from her, by Donovan, taking them to his place and telling her they are his. A romance between them ensues along with hilarity. Trust me, you'll both laugh and love this film, then make some popcorn, and watch it again. [CAVEAT: this film was made in 1963, and is not very "politically correct"]

Not your average John Wayne role. There is the usual boisterous interactions with Lee Marvin, but the main theme is very touching. Wayne hears his friend's oldest daughter (from 50's Era 'proper' Boston) while that friend is away. After years of separation from that daughter the friend has had 3 more children with a now deceased woman whom the daughter might not approve of. So Wayne moves the children to his home and pretends they are his. So sit back and watch the fireworks and cry.

Best Movie Ever! It's a great movie. My Dad and I used to watch this all the time. We even quote lines from this movie. My Daddy just past away and I decided to watch this in memory of him.

I have this movie on VHS and miss being able to play it on my DVD player. This is one of my old favorites with John Wayne and Lee Marvin. Plus, the music is "catching" and brings back memories each time I hear it. Going back many, many years when my adult children were babies, I would sit in the rocker with one of them in my arms humming the tune while patting their bottom in time to the music to soothe them, to keep them from crying, and/or while trying to rock them back to sleep.

Already know it's a great movie. A classic. Issue with most movies I have is whether or not I can get them registered into VUDU or MoviesAnywhere; the two remaining predominant streaming services I sort of trust the most (Amazon unboxed fiasco still laves a bad taste in my mouth and don't trust them for crap) when it comes to streaming movies. It was readily recognized to be uploaded into VUDU (for a fee, of course) but worth it since then I can watch it from any of my devices, from anywhere.

It's a wild movie,1 that I made sure is in my collection of movies that made it into the classics.I dont think I've ever seen Wayne play a better role because he and Lee Marvin just went with each other (according to me)like another Hollywood show said...like ham welcomes cheese on the rye bread of friendship

Wayne didn't make many romcom's but we have one here. It's fun. The era in which made is up front and center with all the cigarette smoking occurring and stylistically is a bit dated but Wayne and female lead made and attractive couple and the kids are cute in this lightweight fare. Not one of John Fords best but not a typical Ford film either. I'm a fan of Lee Marvin and think he was wasted here in a one dimensional role, but then this is a John Wayne film.

I always remember this title...think the music in it was fantastic. Scenery in the picture is breathtaking and remember seeing this movie as a kid! It always seemed like a good movie to me. I enjoy Lee Marvin's character too! It reminded me of his Cat Balloo character which was outstanding in both films. DVD has no physical flaws. Really good movie to watch on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

A beatiful tropical island, colourful characters a cast that clearly enjoys what they are doing, slapstick, comedy, romance and a tiiiny bit of intrigue.What more could one wish for in an old classic?

Another Duke classic performance set not long after WWII he and Lee Marvin turn in great performance bouncing off one another wonderful story line had to be a hit and is still worth a watch

Came in time to play at my dad's wake, he loved John Wayne but we could find his copy, but you came to our rescue. It was sad but it is our fave John Wayne film as a family. Brilliant send off. Thankyou

This was an enjoyable dvd. It was good to see it again after so many years. Seeing John Wayne and Lee Marvin in one movie together you know its gonna be fun and lots of action!

I have had this film for 40 years on video and thought it was time to update.