Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966)

After striking box office gold with the massive hit Blue Hawaii (1961), Elvis Presley returned for more fun in the 50th state, with the combination of sun, surf, girls and song just too good to leave alone.

This time, Elvis plays rabble-rouser Rick Richards, a bad-boy pilot who tries to start a helicopter charter company on the island, an endeavour that is halted due to an in-air mishap.

When Rick finds himself in additional trouble due to his playboy ways, the singing pilot needs to get his flying license back and stay true to his one real love (Suzanna Leigh).

Unfortunately, this time out, the formula looks decidedly shopworn, and this movie – with its thin plot, naff sequences with children, and unmemorable songs – formed part of the downward spiral that would eventually destroy the on-screen credibility of the King of rock ‘n’ roll.

It’s not as awful as the later vehicles, but all of those involved could do so much better, and once did.

Rick Richards
Elvis Presley
Judy Hudson
Suzanna Leigh
Danny Kohana
James Shigeta
Jan Kohana
Donna Butterworth
Lani Kaimana
Marianna Hill
Pua
Irene Tsu
Lehua Kawena
Linda Wong
Joanna
Julie Parrish
Betty Kohana
Jan Shepard
Moki Kaimana
Philip Ahn
Mr Belden
John Doucette
Mrs Belden
Mary Treen
Mr Cubberson
Grady Sutton
Mrs Barrington
Doris Packer
Andy Lowell
Don Collier

Director
Michael D Moore

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