O.K., there is small conflict, as there would be on an exotic island in the Pacific, complete with two hungry lions and exotic talking birds. Charles Bickford headlines this darkly filmed adventure that sets up the different people sailing towards Java, face the dangers of a Pacific storm and end up in paradise where you wouldn't mind spending a week, but not an unlimited amount of time. There's the usual human conflict, then the presence of two circus lions who get angrier not being able to eat to survive. As a plane circles overhead, the group is trapped in a cave with the lions anxious to get inside.
What could have been thrilling just ends up being ordinary. I've seen many movies with similar themes, both comic and serious, and even a few with songs. This is similar to another Universal B movie, 1938's "Sinners in Paradise", which even as a B movie, was far more tense and well crafted thanks to the direction of James Whale. The stereotypical black and Asian characters are cringe worthy, and the bulk of the cast is filled out with unmemorable unknowns. "East of Java" has its share of moments (including an unexpected conclusion) but frankly just ends up a near complete let-down.
What could have been thrilling just ends up being ordinary. I've seen many movies with similar themes, both comic and serious, and even a few with songs. This is similar to another Universal B movie, 1938's "Sinners in Paradise", which even as a B movie, was far more tense and well crafted thanks to the direction of James Whale. The stereotypical black and Asian characters are cringe worthy, and the bulk of the cast is filled out with unmemorable unknowns. "East of Java" has its share of moments (including an unexpected conclusion) but frankly just ends up a near complete let-down.