The Girls of Pleasure Island
The Girls of Pleasure Island
NR | 01 April 1953 (USA)
The Girls of Pleasure Island Trailers

In the spring of 1945, World War II is coming to a close. Roger Halyard, a dignified, strait-laced Englishmen, lives on a South Sea atoll with his three daughters, Gloria, Hester and Violet, along with the housekeeper, Thelma, who has raised the girls since childhood. Other than their father, the girls have never seen another man. Halyard is informed that 1500 U.S. Marines will soon arrive to establish an air base on the island. Halyard is rather apprehensive over the prospect of his daughters, who have never met another man, being thrown together with 1500 Marines who haven't seen a woman in months.

Reviews
dougdoepke

It's a battle of proper upbringing versus surging hormones. That's the problem the three enchanting English sisters face as hundreds of US marines land on their little Pacific Island as WWII winds down. The three young women have never seen a 'white' boy since they're the only European family on an island that Dad administrates for the British empire. So now the girls meet not only one boy, but hundreds. Good thing Dad's very forceful in both speech and etiquette, but will that be enough to fend off nature taking its course. After all, both the guys and girls are, shall we say, starved for romance.The movie's often amusing thanks to the sisters' high spirits, though Gloria, (Bromiley) spreads it on pretty thick, reminding me of the bubbly Debbie Reynolds. Eventually, each sister finds her own approach to romance, so the story's also about growing up under difficult circumstances . The guys get less spotlight and amusement, except maybe for Taylor's handsome lieutenant. But it's really Genn's very proper father who makes the plot gel, as he must somehow manage both the guys and his three daughters. He may be a wet blanket but never becomes dislikable, quite a trick. I do wish the often hilarious and eccentric Elsa Lanchester had more screen time, but I'm afraid she's largely wasted.The studio went out of its way to stock the crowd scenes of marines, but they could have popped for better-painted backdrops that mar some island exteriors. Anyway, I found the 95-minutes fairly amusing and at times charming, without being anything special. It's also noteworthy that the flick reflects very much the mores of its time (1953), with the titillating title and suggestive dialog that newly arrived TV couldn't emulate. Were it produced today, I wonder what levels the narrative would reach for or sink to depending on your perspective.

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joplaw_2

Oh Yes TMC please get this film,or whats left of it,onto some kind of recording and have it released for viewing,.I realize that the type of film used when this picture was made may have deteriorated and ended up floating around in the ether,but it would be a great shame if it was lost for ever,maybe it's lying around in the Paramount Studio cellars just waiting to be re discovered. I have contacted Audrey Dalton and she thinks that the film has probably either been lost or scrapped,but it seems a shame that such a harmless pleasant picture that has no 'smut', innuendo or even bad language as seems to be the norm nowadays is just conveniently forgotten,shame really. Joplaw-2

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aussiechk07

Where can I find this movie?? I grew up in Australia watching reruns of classic World War II and John Wayne movies on Sunday with my Dad. This particular film brings such great memories to me. Now that I have children I want to spend my Sunday's watching reruns of great old World War II movies with my children. Any advice on how to find it please let me know. I have checked all the usual places such as Amazon and Ebay. According to TMC it was never released on DVD so I am trying to track it down on VHS. (For all you fans please go to the TMC website and type in this movie and request it to be released on DVD by Home Videos.) If you have any suggestions please let me know.

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princy

This is a pleasant little comedy/romance which is unfortunately tainted by a couple of obviously racist remarks. Other than that, the attractive leads and cute uncomplex storyline make this film an enjoyable experience.

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