The Boatniks (1970)

To me, this movie is perfection.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

When I saw Robert Morse in the People v. OJ Simpson, one of my favorite TV shows of all time, I think of him in this movie. Of all the Disney movies of its time, it may have had the best cast. Stephanie Powers, Phil Silvers, Norman Fell, Don Ameche all had good careers in the business.Having just watched it again after probably a decade I can still say I think it is great. The lines, the banter, the acting all keep it very light and funny. If you get the chance, this is one you will enjoy. As a romantic comedy, which is what it truly is, this is one a guy would enjoy as well. Also, the side characters make the movie.

Whoever wrote this was in San Diego Harbor obviously didn't watch the movie or has never been to San Diego. It is in Balboa Bay. You see the car ferry crossing the bay and almost being smashed, and San Diego doesn't now or ever had a car ferry in their bay. Also, they talk about Balboa in several places. I saw this in the movies in 1970 and have had it on VHS for years. Great summer movie. It's lots of fun, don't expect too much, like the Ugly Dachshund, the Love Bug movies just enjoy! It is fun to see these classic actors doing a fun goofy movie. Wally Cox and Joe E Ross are hilarious. I am sure Rodney Dangerfield did his crazy boat driving in Caddyshack after seeing Joe E Ross as the crazy boater in this movie. Just the best!

This is a combination boating comedy and caper yarn and works breezily on both levels. It is a truly funny time capsule that features Wally Cox as the Boatyard's playboy constantly surrounded by gorgeous and nubile young women in bikinis. The combination of weekend boating dilettantes that monopolize the Coast Guard's time and efforts is depicted quite well, and in humorous fashion. One of the early boats in need of a rescue is "The Dramamine Dragon." Gil Lamb is wonderful as a sailor committed to taking a three-year trip around the world. Joe E. Ross, Al Lewis, Bob Hastings, Joey Forman, and other sitcom stars are also on hand for lots of fun. And all of the above along with wonderful 1970-style clothes and music (think Love American Style) are just the backdrop for two stories which get intertwined.The main character, awkwardly naive Ensign Garland (Morse), is a typically Disney-style heroic blunderer who starts off over his head but comes out on top in his new Coast Guard assignment for harbor taskmaster Don Ameche. He gets to romance bright and ornery Stephanie Powers at the top of her sexual appeal and comic timing. Complicating matters are jewel thieves Phil Silvers, Mickey Shaughnessey, and drop-dead-deadpan Norman Fell. When they learn of the highway and airport dragnet set up to capture them, they seek an escape to Mexico via water. They rent a boat from Stephanie Powers who subsequently picks up on some unusual behaviors to become suspicious.None of it is terribly original, but this movie for family entertainment and some nice scenery (especially for male adults). It accomplishes these aspirations with many titters, giggles, and guffaws.

I woke up one morning to this on the TV and i carried on watching it, not because it was good, but because it was so bad! the acting is terrible, and its not actually funny! its awful! Stefanie Powers who plays Kate is the best bit because she is sexy! there is no other real reason to watch the film, unless you are suicidal! There are many flaws in the film, and its just rubbish! Its about an accident prone coastguard creates havoc at a boating marina but is thought of as a hero after catching the three dimwitted Jewel thieves, when its actually his girlfriend who catches them, not really that hard to do so!