Blue Hawaii
Blue Hawaii

Movie spotlight

Blue Hawaii

1961
Movie
102 min
English

Chad Gates has just been discharged from the Army, and is happy to be back in Hawaii with his surf-board, his beach buddies and his girlfriend.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Google Users75%
Director: Norman TaurogGenres: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

Chad Gates returns to his Hawaii home after a stint in the army, much to the chagrin of his father who expects him to join the family's pineapple business. Instead, Chad takes a job as a tour guide at his girlfriend Maile's agency, where he falls for his new boss, Ellie. He entertains tourists with his music, navigates complicated family expectations, and deals with romantic entanglements, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Hawaii.

Critical Reception

Blue Hawaii was a massive commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of Elvis Presley's career and one of the top-grossing films of 1961. Critically, it was largely dismissed as a lightweight musical vehicle for Presley, offering little substance beyond his performance and the scenic locations. However, audiences embraced its escapist charm and musical numbers, cementing its status as a beloved, albeit simple, entry in Presley's filmography.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant Hawaiian scenery and Elvis Presley's musical performances.

  • Criticized for its thin plot and predictable romantic entanglements.

  • Considered a fun, lighthearted musical escape that satisfied Presley's fanbase.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed Blue Hawaii for its cheerful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and Elvis Presley's energetic musical numbers. Many appreciated it as a classic Elvis film that provided simple, enjoyable entertainment. Some noted that while the plot is not deep, the film succeeds in its goal of being a fun musical.

Awards & Accolades

None notable, primarily recognized for its box office success.

Fun Fact

The song "Can't Help Falling in Love" was written specifically for this film and became one of Elvis Presley's most iconic and enduring hits.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I'd been watching this for ages before I realised that it was actually the real life Angela Lansbury (aged 35) playing Elvis's mother - he being 25 years old at the time! A bit of much needed cinematic licence in this otherwise really rathe...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I'd been watching this for ages before I realised that it was actually the real life Angela Lansbury (aged 35) playing Elvis's mother - he being 25 years old at the time! A bit of much needed cinematic licence in this otherwise really rathe...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I'd been watching this for ages before I realised that it was actually the real life Angela Lansbury (aged 35) playing Elvis's mother - he being 25 years old at the time! A bit of much needed cinematic licence in this otherwise really rathe...

Wuchak

Wuchak

_**Elvis goes to Hawaii**_ After a two-year enlistment in the service, Chad Gates (Presley) returns home to Hawaii, but prefers the genuineness of the Polynesians and blazing his own trail to being the heir to his parents’ pineapple plan...

Video Reviews

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