The Flamingo Kid (1984)

From Small Screen to Big Screen
Garry Marshall was noted for two things, a great sitcom director and the big brother of Laverne DeFazio a.k.a. Penny Marshall. This film showed that he could translate his skill from the small screen to the big screen. And it is written by Garry and Neal Marshall, what a talented family!

In 50's New York City, if you have made it you live in Manhattan, if not, you live in Brooklyn. Jeffrey Willis is the son of a plumber (Hector Elizando) and lives in Brooklyn. He has graduated from High School and is the first in his family to go to college. This is his last summer before becoming a true adult. His father has arranged a summer office job but he wants a summer of fun. He gets a job as a cabana boy at the prestigious El Flamingo Beach Club.

Next to sun and surf, the main diversion is gin rummy. Jeff just happens to be a wiz at gin. He quickly catches the attention of Phil Brody, the club cardsharp. But things don't sit as well when he catches the eye Phil's daughter (Carole R Davis). In the end, Jeff decides to go to college.

The 50's was the last decade of innocence. This film captures this spirit. While the boys talk a good game, they seldom got anywhere with the girls. Marshall keeps the film on the right note for high drama to light comedy.

While some may say that this was a star studded cast only Matt Dillon had a solid movie background. Richard Crenna was a TV star from 50's and 60's. The remaining cast had TV notoriety but would gain their fame later - Hector Elizondo (Chicago Hope) and Jessica Walters (Arrested Development). Even Dillon's success didn't happen until this film and later.

This is a great film to watch when you want to see the end of innocence in America.

Master OF The Rare Laserdiscs Movies.
I have The Flamingo Kid ON LASER DISC!! And I own it on DVD too,'tis one of my Favorite Comedies 80s movies.,You'll love this movie :)

'THE FLAMINGO KID'
MATT DILLON OFFICIALLY BECAME A SUPERSTAR AS HE SHINES IN THIS SURPRISINGLY EFFECTIVE 1984 COMEDY. DILLON STARS AS A COLLEGE AGED BROOKLYN YOUTH WHO AGAINST HIS FATHERS (HECTOR ELIZONDO) WISHES LANDS A SUMMER JOB AT AN UPPER CLASS LONG ISLAND BEACH CLUB. THERE DILLON MEETS A SUAVE CAR DEALERSHIP OWNER (RICHARD CRENNA) WHO IS ALSO THE FAT CAT GIN RUMMY KING OF THE FLAMINGO BEACH CLUB. THERE ARE PLENTY OF LAUGHS AS WELL AS TOP NOTCH ACTING AND GREAT DIRECTING BY GARRY MARSHALL. LOOK FOR NICE SUPPORTING ROLES GIVEN BY JESSICA WALTER AND JANET JONES WHO WE DISAPPOINTINGLY NEVER REALLY SAW MUCH OF AFTER THIS SOLID PERFORMANCE.