With Florida serving as Hawaii, this is the story of Rosalind (Esther Williams) who is on an island to shoot a film with her boyfriend, Ricardo (Ricardo Montalban). When a Lt. Lawrence Kingslee (Peter Lawford) arrives on set as a military advisor to the film, sparks fly. Actually, no, there are no real sparks, though we are to believe that the lieutenant is enthralled with Rosie.
In reality, Lawford is stiff and annoying, and the real plot of the film is simple: get Esther into a bathing suit. Ms. Williams' beauty is almost enough to make this film bearable, but the filmmakers added a few other elements to make things watchable, like Xavier Cugat singing to his Chihuahua. Seriously, though. Betty Reilly has a fine voice. And Cyd Charisse is always a nice addition to a film, though she is not used to her best advantage. And some of the native dancing is fun to watch.
There are other films with Esther Williams which are better, even "Pagan Love Song", which followed in a couple years.
In reality, Lawford is stiff and annoying, and the real plot of the film is simple: get Esther into a bathing suit. Ms. Williams' beauty is almost enough to make this film bearable, but the filmmakers added a few other elements to make things watchable, like Xavier Cugat singing to his Chihuahua. Seriously, though. Betty Reilly has a fine voice. And Cyd Charisse is always a nice addition to a film, though she is not used to her best advantage. And some of the native dancing is fun to watch.
There are other films with Esther Williams which are better, even "Pagan Love Song", which followed in a couple years.