The Boatniks (1970)

Young and awkward, The Coast-Guard's ensign Thomas Garland suffers from the comparison with his late father, a war hero. Which does not prevent him from falling for pretty Kate Fairchild, a... See full summary »

Director:

Norman Tokar

Writers:

Arthur Julian (screen story and screenplay), Martin Roth (story)

Stars:

Robert Morse, Stefanie Powers, Phil Silvers

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Morse	...	Ensign Garland
Stefanie Powers	...	Kate
Phil Silvers	...	Harry Simmons
Norman Fell	...	Max
Mickey Shaughnessy	...	Charlie
Wally Cox	...	Jason
Don Ameche	...	Commander Taylor
Joey Forman	...	Lt. Jordan
Vito Scotti	...	Pepe Galindo
Tom Lowell	...	Wagner
Bob Hastings	...	Chief Walsh
Sammy Jackson	...	Garlotti
Joe E. Ross	...	Nutty Sailor
Judy Jordan	...	Tina
Al Lewis	...	Bert

Storyline

Young and awkward, The Coast-Guard's ensign Thomas Garland suffers from the comparison with his late father, a war hero. Which does not prevent him from falling for pretty Kate Fairchild, a young woman who runs a sailing school. Of course the way he expresses his deep sympathy for the lady leaves to be desired. And the situation does not improve when a trio of bumbling jewel thieves interferes.

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Plot Keywords:

coast guard | boat | periscope | japanese woman | fog | 

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Taglines:

MAN THE LAFFBOATS!

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Genres:

Family | Comedy

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 July 1970 (USA)

Also Known As:

2 trelloi... trelloi thalassolykoi

Filming Locations:

Balboa Beach, Newport Beach, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 1972, Buena Vista distributed this film on a double bill with Song of the South.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theatre 3000: Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1991)

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Soundtracks

"Boatniks"
Bruce Belland Robert F. Brunner

User Reviews

Breezy Fun at San Diego Harbor in the early 70's

This is a combination boating comedy and caper yarn and works breezily on both levels. It is a truly funny time capsule that features Wally Cox as the Boatyard's playboy constantly surrounded by gorgeous and nubile young women in bikinis. The combination of weekend boating dilettantes that monopolize the Coast Guard's time and efforts is depicted quite well, and in humorous fashion. One of the early boats in need of a rescue is "The Dramamine Dragon." Gil Lamb is wonderful as a sailor committed to taking a three-year trip around the world. Joe E. Ross, Al Lewis, Bob Hastings, Joey Forman, and other sitcom stars are also on hand for lots of fun. And all of the above along with wonderful 1970-style clothes and music (think Love American Style) are just the backdrop for two stories which get intertwined.

The main character, awkwardly naive Ensign Garland (Morse), is a typically Disney-style heroic blunderer who starts off over his head but comes out on top in his new Coast Guard assignment for harbor taskmaster Don Ameche. He gets to romance bright and ornery Stephanie Powers at the top of her sexual appeal and comic timing. Complicating matters are jewel thieves Phil Silvers, Mickey Shaughnessey, and drop-dead-deadpan Norman Fell. When they learn of the highway and airport dragnet set up to capture them, they seek an escape to Mexico via water. They rent a boat from Stephanie Powers who subsequently picks up on some unusual behaviors to become suspicious.

None of it is terribly original, but this movie for family entertainment and some nice scenery (especially for male adults). It accomplishes these aspirations with many titters, giggles, and guffaws.