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Donovan's Reef Reviews

1963

70
from 851 members

The hilarious DONOVAN'S REEF, one of John Ford's rare but memorable forays into comedy, is set on the South Sea island of Haleakoloha, where two navy buddies have decided to stay after World War II. Michael "Guns" Donovan (John Wayne) and Aloysius "Boats" Gilhooley (Lee Marvin), who like to celebrate their mutual birthday every .. Read more

Starring	John Wayne, Lee Marvin, Jack Warden, Elizabeth Allen
Director	John Ford
Genres	Comedy

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Critic's review of Donovan's Reef
View all (1)
- Most critics agree that Donovan's Reef is a fun film - 'A couple of Navy men who have retired to a South Sea island now... read more on Time Out
- 45883
- - Time Out
  - 04 Nov 2008 at 00:16
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Most helpful member's review of Donovan's Reef
View all members' reviews (17)
- - 1
  - 0
  donovans reef
  
  its john wayne classic combining seriousness with the funny side of life.its worth watching as john wayne in another good film
  
  any john wayne ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 22596
- [Highly rated reviewer]
  - linda howe
  - bedford,England
  - 21 Oct 2004 at 20:58
Most recent members' reviews of Donovan's Reef
View all members' reviews (17)
- - 0
  - 0
  Donovan's Reef
  
  Donovan's Reef
  
  Brilliant movie from John Ford starring the Duke in this unforgettable satire, it just shows what a great character JW was, steps ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 1010516
- - ian3
  - 538 reviews
  - Salisbury
  - 27 Jun 2011 at 20:52
- - 0
  - 0
  Awful
  
  South Pacific without the nice songs! It was just tripe from start to finish! Wasn't even bad enough to be funny.
  
  Report this review
- 731722
- - Dawn
  - Bournemouth
  - 24 Mar 2009 at 13:02
- - 0
  - 0
  the duke at his best
  
  this is John Wayne at his very best in John Fords classic comedy, this is a first rate feel good family film for people of all ages. the duke is ably assisted ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 730110
- - a customer
  - dundee
  - 21 Mar 2009 at 13:59
- - 0
  - 0
  The Quiet Man
  
  I have been a fan of John Wayne for many years all of his movies are first class, but the Quiet Man shows the Duke at his best
  
  Report this review
- 403809
- - chessman
  - 4 reviews
  - Newbiggin-By-The-Sea
  - 19 Jan 2007 at 10:42
- - 0
  - 0
  john wayne
  
  This film is great never get bored with watching it again if you like a good film this is it.
  
  Always makes me laugh.
  
  Report this review
- 386929
- - a customer
  - warrington england
  - 20 Nov 2006 at 19:16
- - 0
  - 0
  five star fun
  
  wayne and marvin are excellent in this comedy adventure,well worth a watch.
  
  Report this review
- 283518
- - david campbell
  - troon,scotland
  - 07 Sep 2006 at 16:50
- - 0
  - 0
  Donovan's Reef
  
  What can I say, John Wayne in yet again another good film. The setting is fabulous and the actors put together a film that is great for the family and funny ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 263758
- - a customer
  - Inverness
  - 13 Jul 2006 at 11:38
- - 1
  - 0
  Classic
  
  John Wayne and Lee Marvin turn in great performances in this romp.
  
  This film employs the classic male bonding scenario typical of films made in this ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 204324
- - a customer
  - Scotland
  - 08 Feb 2006 at 14:46
- - 0
  - 0
  Enjoyable
  
  I really enjoyed this light hearted piece of nonsense. Pure escapism with good performances from all the main characters. Lots of humour with Wayne and Marvin ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 188177
- - a customer
  - Wimborne Dorset
  - 30 Dec 2005 at 11:36
- - 0
  - 0
  what a load of ****
  
  'Worst film i,ve seen in ages, a remake of the Quiet Man, but not so good, it old and boring!!.
  
  Report this review
- 159539
- - a customer
  - scotland. not for long!
  - 11 Oct 2005 at 11:49
View all members' reviews (17)

- - 1
  - 0
  donovans reef
  
  its john wayne classic combining seriousness with the funny side of life.its worth watching as john wayne in another good film
  
  any john wayne ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 22596
- [Highly rated reviewer]
  - linda howe
  - bedford,England
  - 21 Oct 2004 at 20:58
- - 1
  - 0
  John Wayne at his very...
  
  John Wayne at his very best. Brilliant cast helps the film along at a rollicking pace.Leaves you wishing life would be as idyllic as the setting.
  
  Report this review
- 27287
- - Gwyn#2
  - CARDIFF
  - 28 Jan 2004 at 14:49
- - 1
  - 0
  Classic
  
  John Wayne and Lee Marvin turn in great performances in this romp.
  
  This film employs the classic male bonding scenario typical of films made in this ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 204324
- - a customer
  - Scotland
  - 08 Feb 2006 at 14:46
- - 0
  - 0
  to whom it may concern...
  
  to whom it may concern.
  
  this was an excellent film to watch.
  
  my family enjoyed very mutch.
  
  we had tea and toast nearly choked ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 31062
- - saboo#1
  - BLYTH
  - 21 Mar 2004 at 21:44
- - 0
  - 0
  Donovan's grief.
  
  Dissapointing,dull,dispiriting.. ......I could go on.No flicker of Ford's usual cinematic fire.
  
  Report this review
- 53414
- - a customer
  - Sunny South London
  - 15 Nov 2004 at 16:34
- - 0
  - 0
  what a load of ****
  
  'Worst film i,ve seen in ages, a remake of the Quiet Man, but not so good, it old and boring!!.
  
  Report this review
- 159539
- - a customer
  - scotland. not for long!
  - 11 Oct 2005 at 11:49
- - 0
  - 0
  Enjoyable
  
  I really enjoyed this light hearted piece of nonsense. Pure escapism with good performances from all the main characters. Lots of humour with Wayne and Marvin ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 188177
- - a customer
  - Wimborne Dorset
  - 30 Dec 2005 at 11:36
- - 0
  - 0
  Donovan's Reef
  
  What can I say, John Wayne in yet again another good film. The setting is fabulous and the actors put together a film that is great for the family and funny ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 263758
- - a customer
  - Inverness
  - 13 Jul 2006 at 11:38
- - 0
  - 0
  five star fun
  
  wayne and marvin are excellent in this comedy adventure,well worth a watch.
  
  Report this review
- 283518
- - david campbell
  - troon,scotland
  - 07 Sep 2006 at 16:50
- - 0
  - 0
  Love John Wayne!
  
  I've seen this film so many times before, but I just love John Wayne.
  
  I thought this film was very moving and extremely funny.
  
  Report this review
- 315502
- - FROSTYFACE
  - uk
  - 30 Nov 2004 at 18:33

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Buy from Amazon.co.uk

- - Buy
- Donovan's Reef
  
  The hilarious DONOVAN'S REEF, one of John Ford's rare but memorable forays into comedy, is set on the South Sea island of Haleakoloha, where two navy buddies have decided to stay after World War II. Michael "Guns" Donovan (John Wayne) and Aloysius "Boats" Gilhooley (Lee Marvin), who like to ...