Paradise, Hawaiian Style

Elvis as a helicopter pilot in Hawaii with Marianna Hill

Relieved of his duties as an airline pilot due to amorous activities, Rick Richards (Presley) starts a helicopter business in Hawaii with his Polynesian pal.

“Paradise, Hawaiian Style” (1966) was Elvis’ 21st movie of the 31 in his acting filmography. It was the third and last of his three flicks shot in Hawaii, after "Blue Hawaii" (1961) and "Girls! Girls! Girls!" (1962). While it’s nowhere near as good as “Blue Hawaii” it’s superior IMHO to “Girls! Girls! Girls!”

The vibe is strange in that there’s unnecessary exposition in the first act or so which bogs down the story, but things pick up during the amusing dog sequence and, later, when Rick takes Lani (Marianna Hill) to a remote beach in his helicopter.

Aside from the spectacular Hawaiian cinematography and the King himself, this one’s worthwhile for the three main females, especially Marianna Hill, who’s known for being the most beautiful woman to appear on the original Star Trek in the 1st season episode “Dagger of the Mind,” which debuted the same year as this flick.

Meanwhile blonde Suzanna Leigh is no slouch in the beauty department as Judy; she has a great bikini scene, which shows off her fitness. Julie Parrish is also on hand as Joanna; she can be observed in the aforementioned dog sequence. Julie played Miss Piper in the 1st season episode of Star Trek “The Menagerie.”

The film runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot in Hawaii (O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'I & The Kona Coast), Torrance Airport, California and Paramount Studios, Los Angeles.

GRADE: B-