Among the Cannibal Isles of the South Pacific
Cast & Crew
Martin E. Johnson
Osa Johnson
Mrs. Jack London
George W. Beynon
Martin E. Johnson
Film Details
Synopsis
Martin E. Johnson and his wife Osa are shown embarking from San Francisco harbor on an 18,000-mile trip to the New Hebrides and Solomon Islands. Mrs. Jack London, whose husband had made an exploratory journey with Martin Johnson on the Snark some years earlier, is seen briefly waving good-bye to the couple from the dock. The bulk of the film shows the manners, dress and customs of the native island peoples. Music and dancing, burial and betrothal rites, and canoe racing are among the customs depicted. The Johnsons are at one point captured by hostile cannibals but later escape.
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The film opened at the Rivoli in New York on July 21, 1916 as an independent release of 5,000 feet. One ad called the film Cannibal Islands of the South Pacific. According to an ad, the film was going to be released both as a five reel feature and as ten one reel subjects. It was re-released in December 1918 under the title Cannibals of the South Seas as a two-part feature totaling 9,200 feet (part I: 5,200 feet; part II; 4,000 feet). Part II of the longer version was called Captured by Cannibals in some sources. This second version was distributed by Exhibitors Mutual Distributing Corp. George W. Beynon conducted a symphony orchestra in the performance of his score at the film's November 19, 1918 trade showing at the Astor Hotel Ballroom in New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson made a return visit to the cannibal tribe who captured them on the South Sea island of Malekula and showed them their film. The return visit, including the screening of the film, was filmed as part of Head Hunters of the South Seas, produced by the Martin Johnson Film Co., distributed by Associated Exhibitor's and released on October 1, 1922. (See AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.2344.)
