Question 1

What real-life figure inspired the film His Majesty O'Keefe?

Accepted Answer

The film is based on real individuals and events, though heavily Hollywoodized. A boutique hotel named O'Keefe's exists in Yap, with architecture reflecting O'Keefe's time.

Question 2

Why did Burt Lancaster and Harold Hecht switch to United Artists?

Accepted Answer

Due to cost overruns on The Crimson Pirate and this film, Warner Brothers limited future Hecht/Lancaster films to $900,000, prompting them to strike a new deal with United Artists.

Question 3

How did Burt Lancaster get injured during filming?

Accepted Answer

In October 1952, early into filming in Fiji, Lancaster required six stitches over his right eye after jousting with actor Charles Horvath using a Fiji Island spear. Shooting halted until the laceration healed.

Question 4

What is the significance of coconut oil in the film's story?

Accepted Answer

Coconut oil is the precious lifeblood of 1870s South Seas traders, and the film depicts the violent struggle to obtain it, with men stealing and nations going to war for it.

Question 5

Which composer scored the British print of the film?

Accepted Answer

The British print has a Robert Farnon score conducted by Louis Levy, rescored in Hollywood by Dimitri Tiomkin. Both versions are occasionally screened on British television.

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His Majesty O'Keefe

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