The Flamingo Kid (Movie Review)

A working-class teen tempted to forsake his honorable ambitions for life of easy luxury learns important lessons from the haves in this coming-of-age comedy directed by Garry Marshall. Matt Dillon stars as Jeffrey Winnick, a Brooklyn kid who escapes his plumbing job for the summer at a fancy beach club for the wealthy on Long Island. But he soon finds the high-living lifestyle isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and his true joy lies with his family. Jimmy Brewer is a terrific find as the title character, with Broadway-caliber supporting cast members including Adam Heller (Elf, Victor/Victoria) and Liz Larsen (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Most Happy Fella) as Jeffrey’s parents, three-time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Newsies the Musical) as Phil Brody and his niece Carla, Samantha Massell (Fiddler on the Roof) as Joyce, Ben Fankhauser (Newsies) as Steve, and Alex Wyse (Waitress) as Hawk.

The Flamingo Kid is the debut screenplay for writer Neal Marshall (no relation to director Garry). The film was produced by Michael Phillips and based on a story he told about his own experiences working as a cabana boy at a private beach club in the summer of 1963.

During a Gin rummy game at the El Flamingo Club, Brooklyn teen Jeffrey Willis is befriended by flamboyant car dealer and reigning Gin rummy champion Phil Brody (Crenna). He offers Jeffrey a job at the club as a valet and cabana steward. While there, Jeffrey meets his future wife Carla Sampson (Janet Jones, angelic in her movie debut). Jeffrey is swept up in the glamour of the club and its wealthy patrons but eventually realizes that his real joy lies with his family.

The movie has a light, charming touch with some excellent performances. Dillon surprises with a nuanced portrayal of an ambitious young man struggling with his conflicting ambitions and values. He does well in his first leading role, playing off a terrific ensemble cast. Renowned Broadway choreographer Denis Jones also contributes some spirited and energetic dance sequences to the production. The Flamingo Kid is a delightful throwback that harkens back to a time when musicals merely wanted to entertain. It’s currently in a world-premiere engagement at Hartford Stage.