The Girls of Pleasure Island

The 1953 Paramount Pictures film The Girls of Pleasure Island stands as a delightful and eccentric piece of post-war romantic comedy. The movie, directed by F. Hugh Herbert and Alvin Ganzer, and starring Leo Genn, Don Taylor, and Gene Barry, presents an intriguing intersection of wartime caginess, humorous cross-cultural prowess, and sweet romantic capers.

The film offers a unique perspective of a Pacific Island during the climactic period of World War II and the setting itself is an eccentric character - an isolated British colony, 'Pleasure Island,' an idyllic tropical paradise with the allure of paradise but, ironically, little connection to the outside world. The island's enchanting, remote charm provides a serene backdrop to the uproarious events that unfold.

The film opens with an introduction to Roger Halyard, portrayed by the skillful Leo Genn, a dyed-in-the-wool Englishman residing on the island with his three appealing daughters: Gwen (Audrey Dalton), Hester (Joan Elan), and Violet (Dorothy Bromiley). Roger, a widower, has successfully kept the girls isolated from the world's vices, particularly the influence of men. The tranquility of this family living in isolation is disrupted when the island is chosen to be a Marine Recreation center for World War II soldiers, a decision which Roger's authoritarian dissent cannot reverse.

Enter dimpled Don Taylor and suave Gene Barry, cast as U.S. Marines Captain Beaton and Lt. Thursoe, who are dispatched to the island along with 3000 other Marines. The arrival of these men signals a seismic shift in Roger's paradise, who dreads the thought of his daughters being wooed by the ‘wolfish’ Marines. However, the juxtaposition of pristine isolation and real-world interaction forms the comedic element of the narrative, navigating through sparkling romantic entanglements and innocent confusions.

Don Taylor and Gene Barry exhibit natural comedy chops, articulating humor through dialogue and situation brilliantly. Their easy charm and magnetic screen presence create a stimulating chemistry with the Halyard girls, showcasing organic romance. Audrey Dalton, Joan Elan, and Dorothy Bromiley shine as the innocent, curious, and vivacious trio thrust into an environment they're unaccustomed to.

Leo Genn’s performance as the conflicted, over-protective, and often comical patriarch is a highlight of the film. He masterfully plays the guardian standing at the threshold of his girls' transformation from naïveté to emotional maturity, all while maintaining a humorous poise. Roger's evolving relationships with his daughters as they navigate the turbulence of first-love, learning societal expectations, and self-discovery forms the emotional undercurrent of the film.

The storyline, quirkily inventive in its absurdity, is based on the novel by William Maier. Despite the backward societal expectations that some elements of the plot may present to modern audiences, the film's vintage glamour, comedic touch, and adorable character arcs transform these into an endearing part of its charm, like a relic from an older age.

The movie showcases the transformation of Pleasure Island from a remote, serene paradise to a merry whirlwind of romance and mirth. Amid the mayhem and comedy stands the film's titular characters, the girls of Pleasure Island, whose entry into womanhood and the experiences they encounter amidst the mayhem form the heart of the film.

The iconic tropical setting, the humorous trope of the shocked and unprepared father facing the inevitability of his daughters entering the world of romance, and the charmingly absurd premise of the marine invasion of Pleasure Island form the skeleton of the storytelling.

The Girls of Pleasure Island harks back to a bygone era, filled with humor, exuberance, and the sweet tumult of blossoming love. Capturing the blend of ageless humor, sweet romance, and endearing characters, the film is a delightful watch, leaving the audience grinning at its nostalgic charm and earnest storytelling.