Blue Hawaii (1961)
“Dreams come true in blue Hawaii”
Blue Hawaii was released November 22, 1961. This movie is in my top 5 favorite Elvis movies. Produced by Hal Wallis and directed by Norman Taurog, this romantic musical comedy that takes place in Hawaii. This film opened at number 2 at the box office and finished in 10th place for the top-grossing movie in 1961.
Chadwick Gates (portrayed by Elvis) returns to Hawaii after being in the Army. Hiding out from his mother, Chad spends time with his beach buddies and girlfriend Maile (Joan Blackman). One scene he goes to Maile’s grandmother’s birthday and gives her a gift.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
His father owns a very successful fruit company in Hawaii and his mother, Sarah Lee (portrayed by the amazing Angela Lansbury), wants him to take over the family business. Happy to have him home, Sarah throws a party for Chad and invites all his friends.
Rock-A-Hula-Baby
Chad wants to do things his own way and make a life for himself without the help of his family. He begins working as a tour guide with Maile.
Surrounded by teenage girls, Chad finds himself in trouble as one girl tries to prove her maturity with him. After dealing with the bratty teenager, Chad teaches her a lesson and moves on from being a tour guide. The movie ends with a happy ending; Maile and Chad get married in beautiful Hawaii.
Hawaiian Wedding Song
Angela Lansbury plays Elvis’s mother in Blue Hawaii. At the time Elvis was 26 and Angela Lansbury was 35. I have loved Angela Lansbury since finding out she voiced Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, a movie very close to my heart.
Angela Lansbury talks about Elvis
I love this movie and the character of Chadwick. He’s independent, fun-loving, and extremely caring. Between the amazing soundtrack and the story, I have always had a soft spot for this film. Since watching this movie, I have always dreamt of going to Hawaii and seeing all the Elvis landmarks from this film. (Uncle Jesse from Full House made this dream even worse when he talked about it in their Hawaii episode). It helps now too that mine and Mike’s song is in this movie.
TCB,