Des filles, encore des filles !

"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 ****

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"

Elvis as a fisherman whose biggest dream is to own the boat he helped build with his father - to aid him in his quest he works for a jerk and sings at a club. Also, he falls for a girl.

Rumor is that studio execs in the 60's said that Elvis's films didn't need titles - just numbers. It's pretty funny, but I'm not in a position to judge just yet - I have a lot a Elvis flicks to go through. "Girls, Girls, Girls" is a pretty mediocre fare with sub par songs and a very thin story.

First off; Elvis isn't believable for a second as a fisherman. His on screen image as a somewhat mischievous yet good natured and wholly independent working class Joe (who never accepts handouts) is already getting tiresome; with some 20 more movies to go where he's playing basically the same guy. As most reviewers have pointed out; Elvis was a solid enough actor when working with decent people and material but in this flick he's neither here nor there.

The songs here aren't that good, sad to say. The classic "Return to Sender" is the real standout but others are fairly forgettable.

But on the whole I always enjoy these Elvis movies up to a point. Despite some obvious laziness inherent with Presley's movies they're mostly fairly attractive looking, always displaying nice scenery, have a number of knockout beauties and solid songs (not all, but most).

Elvis did some serious work before this film; most notably "Jailhouse Rock", "King Creole" and "Flaming Star". Those are excellent films, Elvis is excellent in them and they're a worthy addition in any film lover's collection. His later "fluff" films range from good to fairly lacklustre but fans of the King can easily sit through them and enjoy themselves.

Certainly not one of Elvis Presley's best movies, OR soundtracks. 'Return to Sender','I Don't Wanna Be Tied' and a finish of 'Because of Love' are the only half decent songs in this rather boring tale that always fails to keep even me - an ardent Elvis fan - engaged for it's 95 minutes. Even the leading ladies Stella Stevens and Laurel Goodwin aren't particularly glamorous unlike those in other Elvis films. The leading ladies in Elvis films were on a par with the infamous 'Bond Girls' in my opinion, but not in 'Girls! Girls! Girls!'. Indeed, Stevens didn't take to Elvis at all, tried to pull out of filming and claims to have never watched the film... Elvis plays Ross Carpenter - a fisherman harbouring desires to run his own fishing business instead of working for his uptight, arrogant new boss. It's not much of a plot, and as stated, doesn't stand up as a memorable Elvis Movie.