Girls! Girls! Girls!

This was yet another strong movie by Elvis. The plot was good the scenery was great and music was outstanding. This is probably my favorite soundtrack. I like the way Elvis falls for a rich woman (he doesn't know she's rich) and is trying to buy the boat that once belonged to his father. This is definately a feel good movie. I give this movie four stars.

"Boats! Boats! Boats!" might have been a more appropriate title for this rather lackluster Elvis feature, one of those formula films that were a dime a dozen. He plays a fisherman who loves being out on the ocean and begins to despair when he learns that his adoptive parents are selling their boats because they must move to a dry climate for health reasons. Nothing very interesting occurs throughout, and Presley is involved in at least three rather embarrassing songs: most notorious is perhaps the silly "Song of the Shrimp", along with a cringe-worthy tango in an apartment called "The Walls Have Ears", and a ridiculous singalong called "Earth Boy" which Elvis sings along with with two little Asian girls (their sister would later star with Elvis in the much better "IT Happened AT THE WORLD'S FAIR"). But at least there is also the decent rocker "I Don't Wanna Be Tied" and especially Elvis' big hit "Return to Sender" to enjoy. It's s a rare opportunity to see him perform the latter classic in a movie, and I'd say it's the best two minutes of the entire film. ** out of ****

A bit odd, but generally pleasing, colorful Elvis Presley vehicle casts the singing star as a tuna fisherman who longs to buy his own sailboat; he takes a job as a nightclub entertainer (nearly usurping former-girlfriend Stella Stevens) and balks at women who want to buy him things in exchange for his affection (another poor guy with principles!). Stevens is a tough broad who looks like she's been around a bit, though she's still a better fit for Elvis over newcomer Laurel Goodwin, who twinkles like a bobby-soxer. Elvis actually shows great passion for Goodwin (kissing her in the rain, even speaking of marriage), but she just doesn't seem his type. Musically, Elvis goes International: singing Chinese, dancing a Spanish Tango, crooning Calypso. In the rock 'n roll opener, he sings, "I'm just a red-blooded boy and I can't stop thinking about girls" (if he didn't like girls, what color would his blood be then?). The prettiest song, "Mama", is sung not by Presley but rather The Four Amigos, while Stevens seems to do her cabaret act in between various arguments. Goodwin (secretly rich) takes a job in a hat-shop, but why--to prove she has principles too? The script makes no sense, and the hot-headed character conflicts are contrived, but Jeremy Slate is a convincingly wormy adversary for Elvis, and E.P.'s performance is blithe and easy-to-take. **1/2 from ****

One of Elvis' best movie song performances comes in this film, and it's "I Don't Wanna Be Tied". The King is electrifying in this number! I like it better than "Return To Sender", which was the big seller. Elvis shakes and bakes like there's no tomorrow! Next to "C'mon Everybody" from "Viva Las Vegas", I think Elvis does his best movie dancing. EPE ought to re-release this song as they did with "A Little Less Conversation".

Stella Stevens was cool in this film as well.

The King's acting is unusually strong in this film. He has an edge here that is not often seen in his other roles. The scenes with Jeremy Slate and Elvis are particularly entertaining. His character (Ross Carpenter) is in a fix financially and Elvis' edge suits the role.

I think that as the formula plot movies piled up, you can see Elvis just kinda going through the motions, and not developing a character.

Let's face it - Elvis Presley was about as handsome and talented as a man could be. It's a shame that the Colonel put him on the movie treadmill with banal vehicles.

I've heard that Elvis was offered the role of Tony in "West Side Story", but the Colonel's greed screwed up the deal. What a shame. It could have put Elvis in a serious direction cinematically. The role went to Richard Beymer, who was panned by the critics. I think of Elvis singing "Maria", "There's A Place For Us", and I know he would have been fantastic.

Girls! Girls! Girls! is one of Elvis' best. From Storyline to soundtrack, you will be entertained.

Elvis (Ross Carpenter), Plays a fishing guide. He works for a kind old couple,(Papa Stavros) played by Frank Puglia and (Mama Stavros) played by Lili Valenty. They own the (Westwind) a boat that was built by Ross Carpenter's father. When the old couple breaks the news that they are retiring and moving to Arizona, Ross must find a way to buy the boat.

The lovely Stella Stevens (Robin Gantner) plays a singer in a night club that Ross frequents. He also sings at the club from time to time. The two become personally involved.

At the same time Ross has feeling for (Laurel Dodge), played by Laurel Goodwin. Who will he choose? I'm not going to spill the beans. I'll let you find the answer on your own. I can tell you that this picture is well worth your time. Both Stella Stevens and Laurel Goodwin give strong performances. Presely was very strong throughout this picture as well. He looked like he enjoyed working with the cast.

The two little girls in the movie, Ginny Tiu and Mai Ling were very charming. The inner play between Elvis and the children was remarkable. It gave this film a sweet touch.

(Interesting Facts) Girls! Girls! Girls! was released on November 21st 1962. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best picture. Elvis won the 2nd place trophy for best actor at the Laurel Awards. The sound track was one of Elvis' best. It included the #1 smash, "Return To Sender"