the boatniks

the year; 1970

the genre: comedy


the cast: Robert Morse (Ensign Tom Garland); Stefanie Powers (Kate Fairchild); Phil Silvers (Harry Simmons); Norman Fell (Max); Mickey Shaughnessy (Charlie); Don Ameche (Commander Taylor); Wally Cox (Jason)


the plot: Young and awkward, Coast Guard Ensign Tom Garland suffers from attacks of clumsiness and comparison with his late father, a war hero. He falls for pretty Kate Fairchild, who runs a local sailing school - and while trying to impress her, must also deal with a trio of bumbling jewel thieves.


don't miss: how Ensign Garland and Kate meet.


watch for: Harry, Charlie & Max's attempt at chartering a sailboat to escape to Mexico.


listen for: the pearl diver's forray into English.


count: how many times Joe E. Ross (a.k.a. Gunther Toody) crashes his boat into the dock.

summer stock

the year: 1950

the genre: musical



the cast: Judy Garland (Jane Falbury); Gene Kelly (Joe Ross); Eddie Bracken (Orville Wingait); Gloria DeHaven (Abigail Falbury); Marjorie Main (Esme); Phil Silvers (Herb Blake); Ray Collins (Jasper G. Wingait)



the plot: As a favor to her actress sister Abigail, New England farmer Jane Falbury allows a group of actors use her barn as a theater for their play. In return, the cast and crew have to help her with the farm chores. During rehearsals, Jane finds herself falling for the show's director, Joe Ross, who also happens to be engaged to the show's leading lady-- Abigail.



don't miss: Gene Kelly's "newspaper dance".


check out: "You, Wonderful You" is also a pretty good number - kinda sweet.

count: how many pieces/parts make up Jane's tractor.



listen for: "That actor! She's in love with that actor!"

did you know: On one particular day of fiming, Judy Garland was said to be "not in a fit state to work" so Gene Kelly feigned a fall so that she would be able to take the day off.