This is a combination boating comedy and caper yarn and works breezily on both levels. It is a truly funny time capsule that features Wally Cox as the Boatyard's playboy constantly surrounded by gorgeous and nubile young women in bikinis. The combination of weekend boating dilettantes that monopolize the Coast Guard's time and efforts is depicted quite well, and in humorous fashion. One of the early boats in need of a rescue is "The Dramamine Dragon." Gil Lamb is wonderful as a sailor committed to taking a three-year trip around the world. Joe E. Ross, Al Lewis, Bob Hastings, Joey Forman, and other sitcom stars are also on hand for lots of fun. And all of the above along with wonderful 1970-style clothes and music (think Love American Style) are just the backdrop for two stories which get intertwined.
The main character, awkwardly naive Ensign Garland (Morse), is a typically Disney-style heroic blunderer who starts off over his head but comes out on top in his new Coast Guard assignment for harbor taskmaster Don Ameche. He gets to romance bright and ornery Stephanie Powers at the top of her sexual appeal and comic timing. Complicating matters are jewel thieves Phil Silvers, Mickey Shaughnessey, and drop-dead-deadpan Norman Fell. When they learn of the highway and airport dragnet set up to capture them, they seek an escape to Mexico via water. They rent a boat from Stephanie Powers who subsequently picks up on some unusual behaviors to become suspicious.
None of it is terribly original, but this movie for family entertainment and some nice scenery (especially for male adults). It accomplishes these aspirations with many titters, giggles, and guffaws.
The main character, awkwardly naive Ensign Garland (Morse), is a typically Disney-style heroic blunderer who starts off over his head but comes out on top in his new Coast Guard assignment for harbor taskmaster Don Ameche. He gets to romance bright and ornery Stephanie Powers at the top of her sexual appeal and comic timing. Complicating matters are jewel thieves Phil Silvers, Mickey Shaughnessey, and drop-dead-deadpan Norman Fell. When they learn of the highway and airport dragnet set up to capture them, they seek an escape to Mexico via water. They rent a boat from Stephanie Powers who subsequently picks up on some unusual behaviors to become suspicious.
None of it is terribly original, but this movie for family entertainment and some nice scenery (especially for male adults). It accomplishes these aspirations with many titters, giggles, and guffaws.