🍌 Pacific Banana (1981): Cheeky Comedy in the Tropical Sun
🍌 Pacific Banana (1981): Cheeky Comedy in the Tropical Sun
Pacific Banana (1981), directed by John D. Lamond, is a steamy Australian comedy inspired by Alvin Purple, following two pilots working for a tiny South Pacific airline. Starring Graeme Blundell (Martin) and Robin Stewart (Paul), the film delivers a whirlwind of romantic escapades across Polynesian islands, where flying planes takes a backseat to chasing women. 🛩️
📖 A “High-Flying” Story
Martin, a hapless pilot who sneezes when aroused, gets fired after a mix-up with his boss’s wife. He joins Banana Airlines—a ramshackle outfit—and teams up with Paul, a suave womanizer with two gorgeous fiancées, Sally and Mandy. Together, they spend less time in the cockpit and more time pursuing women at tropical resorts and island hideaways, stumbling through one outrageous romantic misadventure after another. 😂
🌟 Sizzling Performances
Graeme Blundell is hilarious as Martin, the lonely romantic whose “technical difficulties” lead to comedic disasters. Robin Stewart charms as Paul, the playboy leaving a trail of conquests. Supporting actresses like Deborah Gray (Sally), Alyson Best (Mandy), Luan Peters (Candy Bubbles), and Joy Thompson add sultry flair with bold, playful performances. The ensemble, including Alan Hopgood, creates a chaotic, Carry On-style vibe. 🎭
🎥 Visuals and Music
Filmed in stunning Tahiti, the movie showcases turquoise seas, lush islands, and seductive resorts, though its low budget occasionally shows. The upbeat soundtrack, featuring a catchy theme song by Deborah Gray and Luan Peters, blends Polynesian rhythms with cheeky humor, perfectly matching the film’s lighthearted chaos. 🌴🎶
⚖️ Strengths and Weaknesses
Pacific Banana embraces the raw, risqué humor of 1980s Australian cinema, with provocative gags and plenty of skin. However, its thin plot leans heavily on nudity and absurd situations, lacking depth—once criticized in South Australia’s parliament as “trash” compared to masterpieces like Picnic at Hanging Rock. Still, its unapologetic, campy charm makes it a cult classic for fans of sex comedies. 🍌
💭 Why It’s Worth Watching
Pacific Banana is a playful ode to wild youth, blending love and lust against a dreamy ocean backdrop. Far from a cinematic gem, it’s a guilty pleasure that delivers carefree, spicy fun. In 2025, it remains a nostalgic escape for those craving a laugh without restraint. 🌟
Rating: 4.5/10
Perfect for fans of classic Aussie humor, sex comedies, and carefree tropical adventures. 🏝️
