Good concept, poorly executed.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

After winning World War II, the United States sends enthusiastic Glenn Ford (as Captain Fisby) to Okinawa, Japan. His mission is to build a schoolhouse and turn the local Japanese people into an Americanized Democracy. Translating for Mr. Ford is savvy Asian-mannered Marlon Brando (as Sakini). He doubles as our host. Trouble is, the locals don't want a schoolhouse shaped like the US Pentagon. They want the Americans to build them a traditional teahouse, instead, with geisha girls like beautiful Machiko Kyo (as Lotus Blossom). Comedy results from the Americans unexpectedly succumbing to Japanese culture...Director Daniel Mann enjoyed much success bringing stage dramas to the motion picture screen, but was less successful with comedy...This one may dip due to the lack of bigger comedians in the roles, but Marlon Brando and Glenn Ford are closer to original Broadway players David Wayne and John Forsythe than they would be to Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Brando likely saw a kindred spirit in Mr. Mann. His make-up is too obvious, but Brando could hardly have played the part by squinting and faking an overbite. The method actor impersonates an Asian man without offending, but hindsight unmasks his endeavor as a distraction. The sly humor works, but scenes go on too long without amusing; most of this material should be shorter and snappier on film.***** The Teahouse of the August Moon (11/20/56) Daniel Mann ~ Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, Eddie Albert, Paul Ford

I have seen this movie a few times in the last couple of years, and it has become one of my favourites. I love the light-hearted comedies of that era, and "Teahouse" certainly lives up to its contemporaries in that regard. It's not only a fun movie, but it also says a lot about Western Imperialism, which still goes on today in different guises. One of my favourite lines in this film is "I'll teach them Western Democracy if I have to shoot every one of them!" That kind of says it all, doesn't it?Marlon Brando is, of course, brilliant in the film, and funny too. I believe that there was some controversy among audiences when the movie came out; they could not accept Marlon as "Japanese". I have no problem with it. I think that the way he tackled the role simply shows us that he could do more than just the serious parts, which is the mark of any actor worth their salt. Maybe I was more prepared for it, as I had already seen Mickey Rooney as a Japanese in Breakfast at Tiffany's.I think that Teahouse of the August Moon is a brilliant film, with several great actors driving it. A light-hearted premise with a touch of romance caps it off nicely, and there's even a sprinkling of foreign culture to add colour! The classic twist in this film is that the "Conquered" Japanese race ends up getting their own way in the end, after playing the Yanks like a fiddle all the way along.I'm looking out for the DVD, as my VCR wouldn't record when I tried to catch it today; oh well !! 10/10!!

The Teahouse of the August Moon 1956 Daniel Mann dir. Vern J Sneider author and John Patrick playwright Starring Glen Ford, Marlon Brando.This film is the one most people will recall as the one that features Brando playing an oriental coolie. More specifically, he plays an Okinowan Interpreter who presents a tale of culture clash between the US occupational forces and the native Okinowans following WW2.Detractors will argue that the stage play was superior, and that Brando was miscast. They may or may not have validity, and most of us, including me, will never know. What we are left with however, remains one of my very favourite films. It's a very well conceived and intelligent comedy. If I were to level any criticism, it would be that the pacing is rather too quick. The laughs mostly come too thick and fast to digest, but at least repeat viewing pays off.As it was made in 1956, the style is also of its time, and this includes, to an extent, the humour too. I enjoy this as part of the experience. Making a 'period' film is a very different thing to making a contemporary one of its own time (or within 10 years anyway). In other words, this lends authenticity to the period in social terms, which is close to impossible to do by any other means.I estimate, I have watched 'TeaHouse' at least a dozen times over the last 20 years. The experience has never diminished in all that time. Marlon Brando commands attention every moment he is on screen, but its Glen Ford whose performance I most enjoy. I can't imagine any other actor doing full justice to the role of Capt. Fisbee after witnessing his performance. Yes, it is larger than life, but that's part of the style of the cinematic period. What counts is his delivery, his body language and the seamless alternation between bungling weakling, and sensitive intelligent humanitarian.Brando himself, is believable in his very demanding role. He doesn't pull it off perfectly. There are fine cracks in one or two places, but I think the job he did remains a credit to him. Few actors, other than Okinowan ones, could have done as much I suspect.

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD as part of the Marlon Brando Collection. One of the greatest Glenn Ford movies IMO. Brando disappears into the role of Sakini, an interpreter assigned to Captain Fisby, Glenn Ford. Area locations seem true to life, reminded me of my tour of duty on Okinawa with the US Marine Corps. Excellent situation comedy showing the influence of the Ryukyu Islands people on the US Army. Little geography follows: The Ryukyu Islands are a small chain of islands south of Japan and now once again part of Japan. Okinawa is the largest island, approximately 12 miles wide by 60 miles long at the maximums so the jeep driving around the island and continuing to run into water and fishing villages can be believed. Dip your toes into the East China sea on the eastern side of the island and swim in the Pacific Ocean on the west. Definitely a funny and feel good movie for the entire family.Socks Up, Boss!