TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
Girl Happy [1965] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
![Girl Happy [1965] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512V43dAb5L._SL160_.jpg)
Our Price: £4.98 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Elvis Presley does the clam--a now-forgotten dance--in this 1964 potboiler in which the King stars as a singer who gets a gig in Ft. Lauderdale with his combo but has to baby-sit a mobster's teenage daughter (Shelley Fabares) as part of the deal. Fabares's character, looking for a break, runs wild and makes life difficult for Elvis. The film has the usual "Elvis movie" bounce, wolfish jokes and glossy disposability, but the endearing (and smart) presence of Fabares as the love interest adds a bit more zip than usual. Songs include the title track, plus "Puppet on a String", "Do Not Disturb" and "Let's Party Tonight". Directed by Boris Sagal who went on to helm the cult sci-fi classic The Omega Man (1971). --Tom Keogh
Great Fun, Warts And All
Review date: 2007-09-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
Elvis movies. They're that strange breed of film that however poor the finished product, they still have the potential to be enjoyable. Most of the films that Elvis made are poorly acted and scripted, and if judged by most benchmarks that film buffs use to evaluate movies, can easily be ripped apart and dismissed as cheaply made garbage. This is exacerbated by the fact that in the sixties, Elvis was working flat out churning out these musicals for the big screen faster than a chicken lays eggs.
Despite this though, there is a small group of films that Elvis made that are hugely enjoyable, more than the sum of their parts if you like, and this is one of them. I rate this as a 5 star effort, my favourite of the King's movies, and one slight step ahead of Blue Hawaii.
Elvis and his bandmates take on the job of watching over a Chicago gangsters daughter while she hits party town Fort Lauderdale during college summer recess.
The plot reeks of sun, sea, sand and romance, funky sixties music and funny moments. And of course (as in all Elvis movies) it features the inevitable punch up, with laughable fight choreography, but fun anyway.
There are a few great touches of old style humour. Gary Crosby has an classic line in the film ...... 'This year I'm not going to play the field, no sir. This year I'm gonna pick me about a half dozen chicks and go steady with 'em'.
Despite the dodgy script, poor acting and direction, I can still watch this timeless movie over and over again warts and all, because it is such a sunny, feel good song-fest, and to decry Girl Happy for it's faults would be to miss the point by a margin bigger than Elvis Presley's bank balance.
As I said, this is my favourite Elvis movie, and considering he won't be making any more, I suppose it will stay that way.
Similar Products
- Tickle Me [1965] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Kissin' Cousins [1964] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Live a Little, Love a Little [1968] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Stay Away, Joe [1968] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Follow That Dream [1961] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Reviews
Elvis keeps the girls happy
Review date: 2000-11-19 Rating: 8 out of 10
This is a classic Elvis movie. Rusty Wells (Elvis) baby sits a gangster's daughter Valerie (Shelley Fabres). Lots of problems for Elvis and Shelley to sort out. The holiday atmospherics and the Presley/Fabres combination are mint! Elvis at his best and in good voice make for some great songs such as "Fort Laurderdale" "Spring Fever" and "Wolf Call." This a memorable swinging sixties romp. A must for all elvis fans. One of his best! A one to add to your collection.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Elvis Presley
Shelley Fabares
Harold J. Stone
Gary Crosby
Joby Baker
Creators:
Elvis Presley (Primary Contributor)
Shelley Fabares (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 0012569797529
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, DVD-Video, Original recording remastered, Restored, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC,
Release date: 2007-08-07
Universal product code (UPC): 012569797529
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 96 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1965-04-14
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)