A Polynesian free spirit takes on English tradition at a stuffy boys’ school.
TAMAHINE
She loved the whole form... and they loved hers!
A free-spirited young Polynesian girl is sent to live with her uncle in England. The many social and other rules new to her that she encounters there, as well as attention from student body of a local school cause much hilarity.
South Pacific meets stiff upper lip—guess who wins.
Nancy Kwan’s Tamahine brings a blast of South Pacific sunshine to the prim halls of English academia, leaving a trail of befuddled headmasters and lovestruck students in her wake. The film gleefully contrasts her free spirit against buttoned-up British customs, poking fun at both with a light comedic touch.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Tamahine is a 1963 British comedy film directed by Philip Leacock about a free-spirited Polynesian teenager who moves to England and shakes up life at a traditional boys’ school.
Synopsis
Meanwhile, Tamahine has trouble adjusting to the puzzling social mores of her new home, exasperating Charles, but making him start to question his own joyless existence. In the end, Richard convinces Tamahine that their connection is distant enough that marrying him does not violate English tabus, while Clove resigns to go paint in a foreign land, accompanied by Diana. The film leaps ahead several years, showing a scruffily bearded Charles enjoying life on Tamahine's island, while Richard takes his place as headmaster, watched by Tamahine and their children.
- Director
- Philip Leacock
- Writers
- Denis Cannan, Thelma Niklaus
- Release
- 1963
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Genres
- Comedy
Why Cult
Watch as Tamahine’s Polynesian ways upend the rigid routines of a prestigious English boys’ school, sparking confusion and hilarity.
Nancy Kwan charms as Tamahine, navigating English tradition with grace, wit, and a few cultural curveballs.
Experience the stuffy traditions and eccentric characters of an all-male English school, ripe for comic disruption.
A tangle of affections ensues as both student and faculty fall for Tamahine, with family ties adding to the complications.
Themes & Keywords
Questions from the Vault
What is Tamahine about? +
Tamahine is about a free-spirited Polynesian teenager who, after her father's death, moves to England to live with her uncle and disrupts life at a traditional boys’ school.
When was Tamahine released? +
Tamahine was released in 1963.
Who directed Tamahine? +
Tamahine was directed by Philip Leacock.
How long is Tamahine? +
Tamahine has a runtime of 85 minutes.
What genre is Tamahine? +
Tamahine is a comedy.
Where can I watch Tamahine? +
Tamahine is available to stream on SassyFlix.
