The Girls of Pleasure Island

1953 "It's "Operation Sarong""
The Girls of Pleasure Island
5.7| 1h35m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 01 April 1953 Released
Producted By: Paramount
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

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.

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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.
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
MartinHafer While I generally enjoyed this film, I must say that one actress in this film really didn't work for me. Dorothy Bromiley played the youngest girl in the film. While she was a lot older than the character she played, this didn't bother me--she was able to be convincing as a teenager. But, her voice....wow was it tough on my ears. She sounded a lot like Glynnis Johns but even younger and more piercing. Maybe it's just me and my wife, but the voice was tough for both of us to take.The film is an enjoyable but tough to believe little fantasy set during WWII. A man (Leo Genn) has moved to a tiny island paradise and has three VERY lonely daughters. When he learns that 1500 US Marines are going to be living there, he is NOT pleased. As for the daughters, they seem amazingly horny--especially the oldest and youngest. The middle girl is a bit more sensible and she falls for nice-guy Don Taylor. Can the father manage to keep his daughters' virginity?! The film is amiable but not especially inspired. Enjoyable fluff--and nothing more.
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.