Tiara Tahiti – 1962 | 100 mins | Drama, Comedy | Colour

Plot Synopsis

William Kotcheff’s feature debut as director was this comic satire of ambition and class rivalry between sparring adversaries James Mason and John Mills. Set on the island paradise of Tahiti, Otto Heller’s lush cinematography provides a glossy travel brochure feel to the production.

Pompous Colonel Clifford Southey (John Mills) is commander of an army garrison in post-war 1940s Germany when news reaches him of a new officer being attached to his unit. Southey is shocked to discover that the new addition is none other than likeable rogue Brett Aimsley (James Mason).

Before the war both worked at a brokerage firm in London; Brett as junior partner and Clifford a mere clerk. Despite their wartime role-reversal, Brett’s cool and privileged demeanour make Clifford constantly jealous and rightly fearful of the effect this will have both on his authority and the men under his command. Sure enough, Brett becomes an instant hit with his fellow officers and undermines Clifford’s bland rule with poker evenings. When Clifford discovers that Brett is indulging in a spot of black-market trading, he informs the customs authorities. Disgraced and cashiered out of the army, Brett sets off to the South Pacific island of Tahiti to start a new life with beautiful native girl Belle (Rosenda Monteros).

Years later Clifford shows up on the island of Tahiti with extravagant plans to build a tourist hotel. Brett welcomes the shellshock Clifford ashore and the two meet later that evening for a drink, but a fight ensues and Brett is knocked unconscious. Local Chinese shopkeeper Chong (Herbert Lom), wants Belle for himself and attempts to have Brett killed – framing Clifford for the crime. But the plan fails and Brett is hospitalized. Clifford is arrested for attempted murder, but Brett learns the truth and nobly clears Clifford on the condition he leaves Tahiti, never to return. On the jetty Clifford’s paranoia and anxiety spill over into an egotistic tirade that Brett swiftly punctures.