In Hawaii, "a land of swinging seas and swinging hips, where volcanoes are often active, and maidens always are," vivacious Clara Bow (as Hula Calhoun) grows into young womanhood. Ms. Bow is a "free spirit" who prefers the outdoors to her rancher family's stuffy, smoke-filled rooms. Bow's "coming of age" corresponds with the arrival of dashing Clive Brook (as Anthony Haldane); he comes to build a new irrigation dam on the Hawaiian island. Bow is smitten with Mr. Brook; but, he is strangely reluctant to reciprocate. After succumbing to Bow's kisses, Brook reveals the unfortunate truth - he's married.
Victor Fleming directs Clara Bow. Of "Paramount" importance, obviously, is showing as much of Bow as possible; in this case, legs are the obsession. Things get off to a good start with a bee stinging Bow's upper thigh during the introductory nude nature dip. As the title and locale promise, Bow dons a grass skirt for some "Hula" dancing, too. There is an odd kissing scene, which has Bow kissing the blood off Brook's cheek, after he is injured saving her dog. In a way, it qualifies Bow as a "vamp". Bow is certainly charming; and, this otherwise silly offering must have been an audience pleaser.
***** Hula (8/28/27) Victor Fleming ~ Clara Bow, Clive Brook, Arnold Kent
