The Boatniks (1970) User Reviews

Hard to believe these guys stole those jewels in the first place.

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 18 February 2005]

I saw Boatniks back in 1971 at the post theater in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and I remember talking a friend into seeing this. He wasn't keen on seeing a G rated family film. But he and I actually did enjoy it.

The three heist men, Phil Silvers, Norman Fell, and Mickey Shaughnessy, steal the film. These three are a trio of the most inept crooks ever filmed. Graduating from the Three Stooges School of Crime, one scheme after another keeps blowing up for these three. They're so bad that on viewing it again after 34 years, my question is how did these three pull off the heist in the first place. Makes you wonder since the film opens with the heist having already been committed.

Our hero isn't too much better. Robert Morse who made a sensational debut on Broadway in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and later did the film, seemed to go nowhere after that. He gets the role Dean Jones usually played in those Disney films of that era, the klutzy hero who finally pulls it together in the last reel after one foul up after another. Stefanie Powers gets the Suzanne Pleshette part, the girl who falls for the klutz.

In these Disney films there's always the hero's boss who is forever on Morse's case. Here that would be Don Ameche as the Coast Guard Commander at the Marina. As debonair and charming as he ever was back in his days at 20th Century Fox, Ameche is always a joy to watch.

Boatniks is not a terribly pretentious movie, but it's good fun.

The Boatniks

[jazz_drummer60 · 7/10 · 19 October 2014]

As the humor and some of the music is definitely dated, for those of us who are old enough to remember low tech and simpler times as well as cleaner comedy,or seeing films like this at the theater this movie will hold up. However younger people raised in the digital age special effects, laptops i Pads/i Pods and cell phones and simple minded Humor of films and TV shows such as Jackass and Horror fare like Saw will not enjoy this film at all. There are parts of the film that are a little slow and maybe some better editing would have been beneficial, with that said it is funny and enjoyable. Some of the best comedic moments are provided by Dom Ameche no doubt, Robert Morse I always enjoyed in films and Phil Silvers, Norman Fell and Mickey Shaughnessy can't be beat for funny and really inept thieves! Also worth mentioning is Wally Cox, always on the boat with the girls and the parties..it's a shame that his role couldn't have been expanded on a bit, his comedic timing would have added something. What is irritating in the section of bloopers etc.. there is no sound, just dubbed in music. It would have been interesting to hear the sounds of those instead of the music. The locations are beautiful of course as is Stephanie Powers,and cool cars to see on the road then. The film is a bit of a time capsule that shows how much has changed in the filming locations,and the times. For a Disney Film it is an oddity,it is more of a film for adults, I couldn't see small children sitting still for this, not quite what you would expect from the Disney Studios. I am sure were in a Transition period after the 1966 passing of Walt Disney, who if he had a hand in it might have been an entirely different film. I am happy to have it in my DVD Collection for a lot of reasons, it does bring back memories of a time that has gone by. Also if you are a fan of boating it really hits the mark. After watching it you almost want to go down to the marina and hop in a boat.

A boat desperately in search of a plot only partially sinks.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 19 November 2023]

This Disney comedy is based more on situations rather than story, loosely utilizing a group of jewel thieves to create a minor conflict, overstuffed with a huge ensemble that nearly eclipses "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World". Phil Silvers, from the cast of that comical blockbuster, walks away with this film, his smirking "How ya doin'" character easily stealing every scene he's in. His gang includes Norman Fell, Mickey Shaughnessy and Judith's Jordan, disguised in a geisha outfit yet obviously not Japanese.

The unofficial leads are Stefanie Powers and Robert Morse, with the later playing a rather clumsy coast guard ensign, working with commander Don Ameche to break up the jewel smuggler's operation after finding out that Silvers and his cohorts are smuggling jewelery in kosher dill pickles, huge sausages and roasted chicken. There's a bunch of zany bits concerning nerdy looking Wally Cox who appears to be getting ready to sail to Tahiti with an all girl crew, and funny bits with elderly fisherman Al Lewis and his shrewish wife Florence Halop.

The film is colorful and frequently amusing, but not in the laugh out loud way that I probably enjoyed when I saw it at a Saturday matinee when it first came out. The Balboa setting is gorgeous with tons of yachts trying to avoid collusion and a bunch of truly nutty characters that always populated these over-the-top Disney family comedies. Racial stereotypes may have some viewers cringing, but for me, the jokes mainly fall far too flat to really be offensive. Better writers and direction could have made this a lot better.

I was surprised when I discovered this movie

[brycenielsen · 1 May 2003]

I thought I had seen just about every Disney live action film from the 60's and 70's but I had never even heard of this one till I saw it on the shelf at the public library. I really enjoyed it. You've got your klutzy Coast Guard ensign Thomas Garland, a nice boating instructor girl who helps him out of his jams, and the very well-acted trio of jewel thieves. Plus some interesting minor characters as well. I particularly enjoyed watching Phil Silvers boss around his two crook associates and always seemed to get out of doing any work himself - it was very in character with his cheating and taking advantage of people in his other role I have seen, in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The only downside for me was that I usually watch films that have a lot of recognizable names (at least for a Disney live-action fan) and Silvers was the only one I could place, and not in a Disney film. I recognized the names of Mickey Shaughnessy, Norman Fell, and Don Ameche as Ensign Garland's superior but didn't know from where until I did some research. I give it an 8 for a very enjoyable story.

Yea its not very good!

[coullj · 4/10 · 16 May 2004]

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!

Bumble vs Humble

[TheFearmakers · 7/10 · 23 August 2021]

Like THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG five-years later, Disney juggles two stories in one with wacky villains and a kindheart4ed underdog in a World War II hero's son taking over a West Coast/Coast Guard headed by strict Don Ameche bossing the short, pudgy, gap-toothed Robert Morse...

Way too quickly hooked up with gorgeous sailing instructor Stefanie Powers, who rents vessels to three bumbling jewel thieves headed by Phil Silvers flanked by a cautious Norman Fell and dimwitted Mickey Shaughnessy...

Who take up most of the film, NOT in trying to sail to Mexico but attempting to recover the treasure where they accidentally dropped it in the bay...

Thus providing Morse a chance to prove he's isn't a flake, which is strange since, as the film's "jinxed" lead, he's really not all that clumsy or unlucky...

Meanwhile the best scenes ultimately become the slowest as the crooks keep ahead of their pursuers using a stolen mini submarine in a 100-minute comedy that should've been a sparse 80...

But, overall, the most enjoyable aspect is visual as in bikinis and tan shirtless souls on yachts and sailboats under So Cal's groovy 1970's sunshine: A freedom long gone.

I enjoyed this

[r96sk · 8/10 · 4 August 2020]

I enjoyed this, possibly Disney's best live-action work since the mid-1960s.

'The Boatniks' captured my attention from start-to-finish, it never drags once thanks to a fun premise and a nicely chosen cast. I was wondering at the beginning how they were gonna connect the two plots together, thankfully they do a fine job at keeping things fresh and amusing.

Robert Morse (Garland) and Stefanie Powers (Kate) team up very effectively, I really bought into how they progress together. Away from those two, you have Phil Silvers (Harry), Norman Fell (Max) and Mickey Shaughnessy (Charlie) who bring most of the comical stuff, their characters aren't anything particularly revolutionary or unique but they are funny - especially given what occurs to them.

Strong pacing, pleasing humour that doesn't get repetitive and a well picked cast. You should definitely give this a watch.

Who's Guarding the Coast?

[Retroman40 · 9/10 · 17 February 2007]

This movie is not as far off-base as some may believe. Having served in the Coast Guard in the 80's (a little after this movie came out in 1970) it is not too hard to believe that many of the scenes could have really taken place (and still do in a lot of places).

Sure, you'd surely be relieved of command for sinking a boat, but chill - it's a comedy, not a documentary.

Anyway, Phil Silvers is marvelous and Norman Fell is so good in his deadpan role. Stephanie Powers is about as hot as she ever was and Don Ameche as the Base CO is perfect. And don't forget Wally Cox as Jason - I wish he had tied up near us!

Don't expect too much from this lightweight, but rather sit back, maybe crack open a cold one (don't set it by your compass - of course cans were made of steel then) and just enjoy a far simpler time.

Great comedy

[nballos · 10/10 · 1 May 2018]

A great movie that I watched when I was 8 yrs old. A classic comedy with very funny dialogues and a great script and actors , a comedy that all parents should watch with their kids

Not San Diego

[ruthe55 · 10/10 · 21 July 2006]

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!

Good family fun.

[ofpsmith · 8/10 · 9 June 2019]

When Ensign Tom Garland (Robert Morse) shows up to his assignment at a U.S. Coast Guard Station in California he's revealed to have suffered poor luck throughout much of his life. Clumsy and inexperienced, he makes mistakes in front of his commanding officer Commander Taylor (Don Ameche) and his crush, sailing instructer Kate Fairchild (Stefanie Powers.) Enter three bumbling jewel thieves attempting to flee to Mexico led by Harry Simmons (Phil Silvers) and Tom may just have been given the opportunity to prove himself as an effective and capable Coast Guardsman. I really like The Boatniks first of all because of how fun it is. Moreover, I like all these characters and there's plenty of good running gags. Check it out.

Boat yuks by the dozen, a funny, funny film but more for adults, really

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 15 December 2007]

Thomas (Robert Morse) had the bad luck to be born the son of a celebrated Navy man. Although he is now an ensign in the Coast Guard, he is sort of a bad-luck magnet. He gets into numerous fender benders and mishaps, at home and on the job. This causes his superior officer (Don Ameche) much grief. Nevertheless, Tom's goofy charm wins him the heart of a woman in the boat business, Kate (Stefanie Powers). Into this mix comes a trio of jewel thieves with a leader named Harry (Phil Silvers). They were headed toward Mexico when the police, chasing them, closed the borders. Trying to hideout at the shoreline, they accidentally dropped their picnic basket full of jewels into the shallow coast waters. Aspiring to draw little attention to themselves, they take turns diving into the water to try and recover their jewelry. But, Thomas becomes suspicious and tries to find out their secret. Can Thomas salvage his reputation with a big bust on the waters? This is a terrific little film, made long ago, but still every bit a winner. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have the talents of Ameche, Morse, Powers, the great Silvers, Wally Cox, and others on screen. They are supremely capable of generating a "boat load" of laughs, haha. The plot is ingenious, too, with several twists, turns and surprises. Although the film does look a bit dated, it still sports nice costumes and lovely scenery, but the cinematography is definitely lacking. What is really strange is that the film, made for families, is truly more for the adults than for children. There is some slapstick, of course, but most of the humor will fly over the heads of the kiddies. Then, too, there is a good deal of women running around in skimpy swimsuits and some celebration of those "happy hours" on board. Nevertheless, do not skip over this little gem. It is quite funny and clever, putting any viewer into a "yuk fest" funk that will last for hours.

Mesmerized me at 10 years old!

[stevedornburg · 10/10 · 19 March 2019]

My parents got so sick of me wanting to go to Balboa that they actually drove.me to the airport!

Fun, fun movie. Goofy and absurd, yes... But FUN

Breezy Fun at San Diego Harbor in the early 70's

[starmineqed · 9/10 · 30 September 2005]

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.

One of my five favorite movies of all time

[jonathanrspalding · 10/10 · 4 April 2016]

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.

great family movie

[avroom1964fk · 10/10 · 5 August 2003]

I loved the movie I saw it on PBS in Canada Why haven't they made available on DVD yet. I hope Disney put movies on DVD soon.

Good comedy but slow in places

[jdwigley · 3 August 2003]

An accident prone Coast Guard ensign finds himself in charge of one of the busiest waterways in the U.S. Include three bumbling jewel thieves and their attempts to recover the jewels from the bottom of the bay. Good comedy but slow in places.

Boatniks!!!!! Hahahaha!!!!!

[sethn172 · 10/10 · 1 August 2006]

Disney's 1970 film "The Boatniks" may not be the best of the grand old Disney films, but it's still a funny one!!!!!

I've seen this film on an old VHS way back in 1996. All I remember is that this film was kind of like some sort of "McHale's Navy" type stuff. I'm just saying that because of the submarine: now that's funny! The scene where the man put what at first looked like a chicken sub into the torpedo tube, it was really a salami!!!!! LOLOLOL

Not everyone may like this movie, but it's watchable. For other good movies not from Disney but are a lot like this, watch "Down Periscope;" that is good also!

"The Boatniks" - set sail for fun!!!!!

10 stars.

Horribly, incredibly, outrageously BORING

[zumzumzum · 20 July 2002]

I couldn't believe how insanely boring this movie was. My dad brought it home once because it was cheaper to rent than all the other movies, and it sucked. Yes, yes, I'm a sucker too, I actually watched the whole thing. But how much more bad could it get? Well, the answer is, none more bad. There was absolutely no plot development, and the characters reminded me of doing plays in elementary school where you read the lines for the first time and all the words are disconnected: "oh. i. though. this. movie. was. bad." with no emotion whatsoever. Don't see it.

The Whatniks?

[aramis-112-804880 · 3 September 2023]

Robert Morse plays an accident-prone Coast Guard Ensign reporting to his first assignment: guarding sailboats in a bay. Meanwhile, three equally inept jewel thieves (led by Phil Silver) try to sail to Mexico with their haul.

It sounds like whoever wrote this enjoyed boating. I know nothing about the subject so it didn't make much sense to me.

It was also inconsistent: it starts out with Robert Morse being the incompetent one, but very quickly it's the thieves who are the major menace to shipping.

Stellar cast including Stephanie Powers, Don Ameche and guest stars don't make the movie more explicable to the uninformed.