Girls! Girls! Girls! is a 1962 American musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and produced by Hal B. Wallis. The film stars Elvis Presley, Stella Stevens, and Shelley Fabares, and was released by Paramount Pictures on February 21, 1962.
Production
- Director: Norman Taurog, a veteran filmmaker known for his work on several Elvis Presley films.
- Producer: Hal B. Wallis, a prominent Hollywood producer.
- Screenplay: Written by John Fenton Murray, based on an original story by Herbert K. Sargent.
- Cinematography: Loyal Griggs.
- Music: The film features multiple songs performed by Elvis Presley, including “Return to Sender,” “High Heel Sneakers,” “Rock-A-Hula Baby,” and “I Got a Feeling.” The musical numbers were composed by various songwriters, notably Sid Tepper and Ray Evans.
Cast
- Elvis Presley as Vernon "Vern" Harper, a widowed watchmaker who inherits a pair of valuable watches.
- Stella Stevens as Angelique, a glamorous French hotel singer.
- Shelley Fabares as Joan Taylor, a teenage enthusiast of rock and roll.
- Additional supporting roles include Zebedy Carver, Richard Beymer, and Hal England.
Plot Summary
The narrative follows Vern Harper (Presley), who inherits two highly valuable gold watches after his uncle’s death. To secure the watches, he travels to a seaside resort in Hawaii where the watchmakers’ guild holds a gala. While staying at the resort, Vern becomes entangled with two women: Angelique, a seductive singer with ambitions to become a movie star, and Joan, a teenage fan who idolizes him. The film blends comedic misunderstandings, romantic triangles, and musical performances, culminating in Vern’s decision to keep the watches and pursue a new life with Angelique.
Reception
Upon release, Girls! Girls! Girls! received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Presley’s musical performances but critiqued the film’s formulaic plot. It performed modestly at the box office, contributing to Presley’s continued popularity as a film star during the early 1960s.
Legacy
The film is notable for its soundtrack, particularly the hit single “Return to Sender,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The title phrase “Girls! Girls! Girls!” has been referenced in popular culture as an example of mid‑century musical cinema and Elvis Presley’s filmography.
