Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii remains a beloved classic in the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s filmography. While the movie features beautiful Hawaiian landscapes and Elvis’s magnetic charm, it also includes a series of charming errors and behind-the-scenes moments that only enhance the film’s allure. These hidden gems add to its nostalgic appeal, making it even more endearing to fans.
Discovering Hidden Mistakes
Blue Hawaii isn’t just memorable for its catchy songs and stunning visuals; it also has a collection of humorous mistakes that have been spotted over the years. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the movie became a massive commercial success, grossing $4.2 million in 1961 and ranking as the 10th highest-grossing film of the year. Elvis’s role as Chad Gates—a former soldier opting for a carefree life in Hawaii over a corporate career—was both charming and relatable, contributing to the film’s popularity. And of course, the soundtrack, including the timeless Can’t Help Falling in Love, became a massive hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite its critical reception, Blue Hawaii’s lighthearted nature and Elvis’s natural comedic timing helped elevate its place in pop culture. However, there were several bloopers and quirky moments that fans have delighted in spotting over the years, making it all the more special.
A Significant Shift in Elvis’s Film Career
One unique aspect of Blue Hawaii was that it marked the first time Elvis played a character who didn’t have a built-in reason to sing. Unlike many of his previous roles, where his characters were involved in musical settings (like a singer or performer), Chad Gates would break into song at seemingly random moments—whether on the beach or serenading from a canoe. Though it may seem like a typical cheesy trope, this unexpected, spontaneous musical element adds to the film’s charm and gives it a carefree, whimsical feel.
The Birth of a Presley Film Formula
Following the success of Blue Hawaii, Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, realized they had stumbled upon a winning formula for Elvis films: place Elvis in an exotic location, surround him with glamorous co-stars, and fill the movie with enough songs to fill an album. This blueprint would become the foundation for many of Elvis’s films throughout the 1960s, with Blue Hawaii leading the way. The formula worked so well that Elvis continued to be listed among the top box-office stars throughout the decade.
The Roar of Devoted Fans
A fun fact that fans love to revisit while watching Blue Hawaii is the roar of enthusiastic fans as Elvis steps off the plane at the beginning of the film. According to IMDb, the background noise is not from a film set, but rather the real-life excitement of hundreds of fans who had gathered to watch the shooting. It’s a testament to the immense popularity of the King, and it’s something you can spot if you listen closely during that scene.
Juliet Prowse’s Unique Requests
Blue Hawaii had its fair share of behind-the-scenes drama, including casting changes. Originally, actress Juliet Prowse—who starred alongside Elvis in G.I. Blues—was set to play Maile, the love interest. However, Prowse’s unusual demands, including a personal makeup artist and flight expenses for her secretary, led to her stepping away from the role. Joan Blackman ultimately took over the part, and she and Elvis shared undeniable chemistry, which became a defining feature of the film.
Elvis’s Disheartened Feelings During Filming
Despite Blue Hawaii’s success, not all was smooth sailing for Elvis. Anne Fulchino, a publicity director who worked with him, observed that Elvis seemed uncomfortable during the filming. Fulchino noted that Elvis appeared disinterested and disheartened, explaining that he was frustrated with the types of roles he was being asked to play. It was clear to her that Elvis felt trapped by the formulaic movies he was being offered, even as he delivered strong performances.
Elvis Cuts the Scene
Filming Blue Hawaii had its challenges, not just because of Elvis’s frustrations, but due to the overwhelming attention from fans. Security was always on high alert as Elvis had to avoid large crowds. One particularly memorable moment happened when golf pro Gary Player visited the set. Elvis, learning the game from Player, called “CUT!” and greeted him warmly in a jacket. It was a lighthearted moment that showed Elvis’s genuine interest in his new hobby.
A Playful Prank by Elvis
Elvis wasn’t above playing pranks on set. During filming, Elvis, alongside his then-girlfriend Anita Wood, staged a humorous prank in which he pretended to be dead. As Wood frantically cried out that Elvis wasn’t breathing, the film crew rushed to his aid—only for Elvis to sit up and clarify, “Just curious about your reactions.” It was a typical example of his playful nature behind the scenes.
The Fascination with the Red MG Roadster
Another fun piece of Blue Hawaii trivia involves Elvis’s love for cars. During the film’s production, Elvis became enamored with a 1960 MGA 1600 MkI roadster, which he later purchased. The iconic red MG now resides at Graceland, among his vast collection of cars. It’s a piece of Elvis’s legacy that fans continue to admire when visiting his home.
An Endearing Wedding Venue
Hawaii itself became a cherished filming location for Elvis, with the state appearing in several of his films. In Blue Hawaii, a romantic picnic scene between Chad and Maile was filmed at a beautiful overlook off Tantalus Drive, which remains a popular wedding spot to this day. Additionally, the Coco Palms Resort, where Elvis stayed and which featured in the film’s wedding scene, was an iconic venue. Sadly, it was devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, leaving behind only remnants of its former glory.
Elvis’s Affection for Co-Star Joan Blackman
Elvis and Joan Blackman shared a special bond during the filming of Blue Hawaii. Joan recalled feeling an immediate connection when they first met in 1957, describing their chemistry as “unspoken magic and warmth.” While Elvis expressed interest in marriage, Joan was focused on her career and didn’t want to be defined by her association with Elvis. Their professional respect for each other contributed to their on-screen chemistry.
Spotting Continuity Errors
For the die-hard fans, Blue Hawaii offers plenty of bloopers to spot. In one scene, during the song “Almost Always True,” Maile’s hand mysteriously shifts on the wheel, and Chad’s arm moves without explanation. Another continuity error occurs in the pineapple field scene, where a character is inexplicably in a different position for the next shot.
Chad’s Magical Ukulele
Finally, one of the quirkiest bloopers involves Chad’s ukulele scene. As Chad strums, the music continues to play even though his fingers aren’t changing chords. Despite this, the music flows perfectly, adding to the charm of the moment. Elvis even gifted the famous ukulele to Hank Garland, a respected Nashville guitarist who had worked with him on several tours.
Conclusion
Blue Hawaii is more than just a movie—it’s a treasure trove of moments, both charming and flawed, that only enhance its appeal. From Elvis’s unforgettable performance to the humorous errors that sneak by, the film remains a beloved classic in the King’s cinematic legacy. Whether you’re enjoying it for the first time or revisiting it, there’s always something new to discover and love about this iconic film.
