 First edition (UK) | |
| Author | Alistair MacLean |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | World War II Novel |
| Publisher | Collins (UK) Doubleday (US) |
Publication date | 1957 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| Pages | 254 pgs |
| Preceded by | The Guns of Navarone |
| Followed by | The Last Frontier |
South by Java Head is the third novel written by Scottish author Alistair MacLean, and was first published in 1958.[1]
MacLean's personal experiences in the Royal Navy during World War II provided part of the basis for the story.
Plot introduction
The story is set in February 1942, in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Singapore. As the British stronghold of Singapore falls to the invading Imperial Japanese Army, a mixed collection of soldiers, nurses, fleeing civilians, a small boy, and at least one spy attempt to escape the burning city aboard the Kerry Dancer, a battered freighter manned by a disreputable captain and crew. The Kerry Dancer is crippled by Japanese aircraft, and the refugees are rescued by the Viroma, a tanker also fleeing Singapore; however, the Viroma is also sunk by the Japanese, and the survivors take to open boats on the open sea. Led by stalwart First Officer Nicholson, they attempt to flee to safety across the South China Sea, facing death by thirst and exposure, typhoons, and pursuit by the relentless Japanese. As tensions mount in the small boat, Nicholson realizes that they are equally at risk from traitors in their midst.
Background
In 1957 producer Daniel Angel said that Daniel Fuchs was writing the script for South by Java Head from a novel by Will Carling, with Fox to finance.[2]
In January 1960 Buddy Adler announced he had bought the film rights for Fox as a vehicle for Alec Guinness and $4 million would be spent on it. Sydney Boehm would write the script.[3] No film resulted.
References
- ^ Farnholme's Mission: SOUTH BY JAVA HEAD. By Alistair MacLean. 319 pp. New York: Doubleday & Co. $3.95. Lardner, Rex. New York Times 5 Jan 1958: BR26.
- ^ Fox Signs 3 Writers Lazar Negotiates 3 Deals Of Local Origin By THOMAS M.PRYOR New York Times 26 Nov 1957: 41.
- ^ New Guinness Film to Cost $4 Million The Washington Post, Times Herald 20 Jan 1960: B10.
External links
Works by Alistair MacLean | |
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| Novels |
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| Non-fiction |
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| Screenplays |
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| Adaptations |
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| UNACO novels |
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| Golden Girl novels |
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