Where the Boys Are

Where the Boys Are is a 1960 romantic comedy directed by Henry Levin and starring Dolores Hart, George Hamilton, Yvette Mimieux, and Paula Prentiss. The film tells the story of four college girls who set out on a spring vacation to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in search of love, fun, and adventure.

The movie begins as the four girls, Merritt Andrews (Dolores Hart), Melanie Tolman (Yvette Mimieux), Tuggle Carpenter (Paula Prentiss), and Angie (Connie Francis), prepare for their trip to Fort Lauderdale. They are all excited to see the hot sun, sandy beaches, and attractive boys, and they are determined to make the most of their vacation.

On the journey to Florida, the girls meet a charming college boy named Ryder Smith (George Hamilton). Merritt is immediately drawn to him, but she is hesitant to pursue him as she does not want to get hurt again. Melanie, on the other hand, is on a mission to find a husband, and she becomes involved with an aspiring musician named TV Thompson (Jim Hutton).

As the girls settle into life in Florida, they navigate their way through the lively spring break scene. They find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of parties, fun, and romance, but they soon discover that the boys are not always what they seem. Merritt learns that Ryder has a dark past that he is trying to leave behind, while Melanie discovers that TV has a secret that could jeopardize their relationship.

Throughout the movie, the girls learn valuable lessons about love, relationships, and the importance of being true to themselves. They grow and develop as individuals, and the experiences they have in Fort Lauderdale shape their futures in unexpected ways.

Where the Boys Are is a classic coming-of-age movie that captures the spirit of the early 1960s. The film is a celebration of youthful exuberance and the thrill of discovering new experiences. It also touches on some more serious themes, such as the challenges of finding true love and the importance of being true to oneself.

The performances in the movie are excellent, and the chemistry between the four lead actresses is palpable. Dolores Hart is particularly impressive as Merritt, delivering a nuanced and emotional performance that anchors the movie. George Hamilton is also excellent as the charming and mysterious Ryder, and Yvette Mimieux is captivating as the naïve and idealistic Melanie.

The film's setting is another standout feature, with Fort Lauderdale providing a vibrant and colorful backdrop for the action. The movie captures the excitement and energy of spring break in a way that is both authentic and timeless, and the scenes of the girls dancing, sunbathing, and flirting with boys are sure to bring a smile to viewers' faces.

Overall, Where the Boys Are is a fun and engaging movie that is sure to appeal to fans of classic romantic comedies. The film is a nostalgic snapshot of a bygone era, and its themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery remain relevant to audiences today.