Zanuck said in October 1956 "Ridding myself of the obligation of conducting a large film establishment like 20th Century Fox hasn't meant any cessation of work. At a campaign rally Maxwell first publicly embraces his newfound bi-racial identity, but is jeered by a black crowd egged on by David, which rejects his embrace. Many of the lead actors were under contract to Fox, including Joan Collins, Michael Rennie, John Justin and Stephen Boyd. a b ZANUCK FILM PLANS: Fox to Release 'Island in Sun, His First as Independent New York Times 21 Feb 1957: 30. In 1955, she had been offered supporting roles in The King and I and The Lieutenant Wore Skirts but Otto Preminger, Carmen Jones' director and her lover, advised her to turn down the roles.

He went on to say that there were fourteen major parts, "and six of them it would be difficult to say who was the most important. Denis Archer ( John Justin), the governor's aide-de-camp and want-to-be novelist, becomes smitten by Margot Seaton ( Dorothy Dandridge), a mixed-race beauty seeking to better her position in life through hard work over irrepressible feminine charm. He also liked the fact the book had "a novel and attractive background" which would suit filming in color and CinemaScope, and that the novel tackled miscegenation.At least 40 artists have covered this song, including The Righteous Brothers, The Merrymen, and José Carreras. He is tormented by the jealousy of his wife Sylvia ( Patricia Owens), and is envious of his younger sister Jocelyn ( Joan Collins), who is being courted by the handsome, young, Oxford-bound Euan Templeton ( Stephen Boyd), newly arrived on Santa Marta to visit his father, Lord Templeton ( Ronald Squire), the island's governor.

If a picture has real significance and genuine theme and purpose, my contention is that it can be made no matter how controversial.Brought up on an ‘island in the sun’, Jamaica, Belafonte’s career as one of the predominant musical figures of the time is surveyed on Retrospective’s “Island In The Sun”. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society. Our picture is highly controversial, but then I've made controversial pictures before," said Zanuck, who had made Grapes of Wrath, Gentleman's Agreement and Pinky.