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But Miss Allyson had never forgotten High Barbaree or any of its implications; under her influence, Van gradually remembered his lost ambitions. Now, drifting in the plane, he realizes that he must be somewhere in the vicinity of his uncle's legendary island. If the legend is true, it means vindication for a dream, and safety for the men.
Mawkish in spots, High Barbaree often strays through loose, highly fabricated, though nicely made flashbacks. But in some important respects, the movie remains true to the best that is in its gently romantic spirit. As a result, it is genuinely moving. Van Johnson, who has given some wretched performances in the past as a bobby-soxers' delight, does a convincing job as the softened young executive, troubled by memories and resisting them as best he can. And June Allyson, who seems incapable of a superficial performance, is excellent as the girl who never gives up.