Island in the Sun

Island in the Sun

Year: 1957

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Rossen

RomanceDramaThrillers and murder mysteriesPassion and romanceEnduring stories of family and marital drama

A scandalous tale of politics, social inequality, interracial romance, and murder set on a fictitious British-owned Caribbean island.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Island in the Sun yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Island in the Sun (1957)

Trace every key event in Island in the Sun (1957) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Spring tensions ignite on Santa Marta

On the fictional Caribbean island of Santa Marta, the four couples and their unequal relationships expose the social divide between the white ruling class and the native population. Maxwell Fleury wrestles with an inferiority complex, Sylvia's jealousy, and the allure of Euan, Jocelyn's suitor. The stage is set for romance, ambition, and hidden rivalries to play out over the spring.

Spring 1950s Santa Marta
2

Maxwell murders Hilary Carson

During a quarrel, Maxwell strangles Hilary Carson and attempts to cover his crime as a robbery. The act stems from Maxwell's paranoia about his wife's fidelity and his need to prove himself. He then tries to hide the murder, setting off a murder investigation.

During a quarrel Maxwell's residence, Santa Marta
3

Colonel Whittingham takes on the case

Colonel Whittingham, the island's cautious police chief, investigates the apparent robbery turned murder. He drops hints to Maxwell and connects the crime to crime and punishment motifs from Dostoevsky. The case tightens the net around Maxwell as the truth edges closer.

Following the murder Santa Marta town and police headquarters
4

Bradshaw uncovers Maxwell’s ancestry

A visiting American journalist, Bradshaw, writes an exposé confirming Maxwell's paternal grandmother was part black. The revelation becomes a political weapon that threatens Maxwell's carefully curated image. The story lands during Maxwell's campaign on Santa Marta.

During Maxwell's campaign Campaign venues and press room, Santa Marta
5

Public embrace of mixed heritage and backlash

At a campaign rally, Maxwell publicly embraces his newfound mixed-race identity, seeking to connect with voters on equality. The black crowd is egged on by David Boyeur and jeers erupt as his rhetoric backfires. The moment exposes the fragility of his political stance across the island.

Shortly after the exposé Campaign rally, Santa Marta
6

Maxwell denounces his heritage

Humiliated by the crowd, Maxwell renounces his black heritage and lashes out at everyone there. The reversal marks a pivotal turn away from his previous posture and toward a more desperate resolve. The incident deepens his isolation and foreshadows his downfall.

Immediately after the rally Campaign rally, Santa Marta
7

Jocelyn discovers she is pregnant

Jocelyn learns she is pregnant by Euan, complicating her plans for marriage and status. She contemplates the hurdles posed by social expectations and her own future. The pregnancy becomes a source of tension for both families.

Late spring Jocelyn's residence, Santa Marta
8

Mother reveals Jocelyn's true paternity

Jocelyn's mother reveals that her father was not Julian Fleury but a white Englishman, altering Jocelyn's lineage and social standing. The revelation reshapes Jocelyn's prospects and the meaning of family on the island. It further complicates Euan's path to marriage and legitimacy.

Shortly after pregnancy is revealed Jocelyn's family home, Santa Marta
9

Maxwell corners and surrenders

Cornered by Whittingham, Maxwell confronts his fate and contemplates suicide before deciding to surrender to the police. His decision marks the collapse of his plans and the end of his bid for power. The breaking man faces the consequences of his past actions.

End of spring Maxwell's residence / police interview, Santa Marta
10

Weddings and departure to England

Jocelyn and Euan wed, then board a plane to England for a new life. Margot and Denis also marry and follow, heading to their own life abroad. The island's characters are sent toward distant futures as colonial ties and social barriers remain unresolved.

End of spring Santa Marta; en route to England
11

Mavis seeks a serious relationship with David

Mavis Norman presses forward with her campaign to be serious with David Boyeur, hoping for political and romantic alignment. David's response is cautious and rooted in racial and societal constraints. The mismatch underscores the collision between personal desire and collective identity on the island.

Late spring Beaches and rendezvous spots on Santa Marta
12

David rejects Mavis and returns to town at dusk

David rejects Mavis's advances, insisting he must remain within his own race to be accepted by his people. He walks back to town alone as dusk settles over Santa Marta, leaving Mavis to face the consequences of the moment. The scene closes with a quiet, poignant ending for their relationship.

Dusk, end of day Rendezvous on the beach; town outskirts

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Island in the Sun

Don't stop at just watching — explore Island in the Sun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Island in the Sun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Island in the Sun Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Island in the Sun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Island in the Sun Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Island in the Sun

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Island in the Sun. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Island in the Sun

More About Island in the Sun

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Island in the Sun: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Island in the Sun

Similar Movies to Island in the Sun

Discover movies like Island in the Sun that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.