This script could have worked into a fairly enjoyable film, if only because many people like films about a common guy who makes it in show biz. Except for Jesse White as the hustling Hollywood agent, the acting was rather limp. There was no real excitement on the part of the cast in general.
Well, OK, Martha Hyer and Frankie Vaughn turned in some good performances for the characters they portrayed. But what's up with those laconic and lethargic beach-bum buddies who played Frankie's ("Leo Mack's") room mates? Though they all have had good film performances in the past,they all looked middle-age, and beyond, and thus seemed very noticeably mis-cast. More like a bunch of over the hill losers, than young up-and-coming dudes sharing a hut on the beach. Not your typical beach guys flick. Moreover, I think when the director told the roomies to act like they resent Leo's antics by reacting passively to his boasting, they somehow came across instead as disinterested in the film in general.
The lead character Leo does not suffer enough for his shameless climbing, and the film ends too suddenly to find out where he goes once he hits the threshold of the Big Time... but he does portray the role of show-biz climber well, nonetheless. Poor Leo, he is so naive after walking on everyone to get to the top, and then wonders why no one is excited for him! This could have been cast into a good film... with, say, a young Frank Sinatra as Leo Mack, and some younger roomies. Maybe not a bunch of older guys trying to be young bongo-beaters on the beach.
Well, OK, Martha Hyer and Frankie Vaughn turned in some good performances for the characters they portrayed. But what's up with those laconic and lethargic beach-bum buddies who played Frankie's ("Leo Mack's") room mates? Though they all have had good film performances in the past,they all looked middle-age, and beyond, and thus seemed very noticeably mis-cast. More like a bunch of over the hill losers, than young up-and-coming dudes sharing a hut on the beach. Not your typical beach guys flick. Moreover, I think when the director told the roomies to act like they resent Leo's antics by reacting passively to his boasting, they somehow came across instead as disinterested in the film in general.
The lead character Leo does not suffer enough for his shameless climbing, and the film ends too suddenly to find out where he goes once he hits the threshold of the Big Time... but he does portray the role of show-biz climber well, nonetheless. Poor Leo, he is so naive after walking on everyone to get to the top, and then wonders why no one is excited for him! This could have been cast into a good film... with, say, a young Frank Sinatra as Leo Mack, and some younger roomies. Maybe not a bunch of older guys trying to be young bongo-beaters on the beach.