The Flamingo Kid

Plot

In the summer of 1963, Jeffrey Willis (Matt Dillon) joins some friends for a day of Gin rummy at the El Flamingo Club, a private beach resort. There, he meets the girl of his dreams Carla Sampson (Janet Jones). After the Gin game and being told of the club's strict policy regarding guests, Jeffrey is upset, but not for long, since he immediately landed a job as a car valet and eventually, cabana steward. Jeffrey is a kid from a middle class Brooklyn family and his father (Elizondo) does not approve of him working at the private club.

His hero and mentor at the resort is the reigning Gin rummy card game champ, Phil Brody (Crenna).

Jeffrey, a winning Gin Rummy player himself, and his friends, admire Brody and how his wins at the Gin rummy table make him seem "psychic," knowing which cards to give up. Brody also takes a liking to Jeffrey, eventually showing him his car business, and gives him hopes that car sales are where he belongs as a career.

Jeffrey gets further immersed in the "easy buck," defying his father's guidance. During dinner, Jeffrey notably says he "will not be needing college" and plans to pursue being a car salesman instead. Jeffrey and his co-workers at The Flamingo also venture to Yonkers Raceway together, risking cash on a horse tip but come up short when the trotter breaks stride.

Eventually, Jeffrey leaves home to pursue the sales job. However, Brody, angry that Jeffrey disturbed him during a dance class, reveals to Jeffrey that the job opening at the car dealership is for a stock boy, not as a salesman as Jeffrey had been led to believe was his when he asked for it. Brody encourages Jeffrey to take the stock boy position so he can work his way up. Jeffrey becomes shocked at his mentor's actions and reconsiders college. Near Summer's end, Jeffrey observes that a regular onlooker, "Big Sid", is feeding signals to Brody, the true cause of Brody's winning ways. When Big Sid and a member of the gin team playing against Brody's team are overcome by the heat, Jeffrey fills in, opposing Brody, and seeking to help win back the unfair profits Brody won from his friends over the course of the Summer. Jeffrey and his team eventually win back what was unfairly lost, including a good profit besides. Realizing the mistakes he made in rejecting his father's good advice, Jeffrey makes up with his dad in a touching scene at Larry's Fish House ("Any Fish You Wish"), where his family is dining.

Cast

Location

The principal location for the movie was the Silver Gull Beach Club in Breezy Point in New York City's Rockaways, inside the Gateway National Recreation Area. The club was heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and the wing of the club that extends over the water is facing probable demolition.

Box Office

The movie was a box office success, grossing a total of $31,684,321 worldwide.

Critical reception

The movie received generally positive reviews from critics. The movie currently holds an 88% "fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews. The film has since gained a cult following.

Soundtrack

A soundtrack to the film was released by Motown.

1. Jesse Frederick – Breakaway
2. Martha and the Vandellas – (Love Is Like a) Heat Wave
3. The Chiffons – He's So Fine
4. Acker Bilk – Stranger on the Shore
5. Dion – Runaround Sue
6. Little Richard – Good Golly, Miss Molly
7. Barrett Strong – Money (That's What I Want)
8. The Impressions – It's All Right
9. Hank Ballard & The Midnighters – Finger Poppin' Time
10. The Chiffons – One Fine Day
11. The Silhouettes – Get a Job
12. Maureen Steele – Boys Will Be Boys

Remake

Deadline.com announced in September 2012 that Walt Disney Pictures has planned a remake of The Flamingo Kid. Brett Ratner and Michael Phillips are producing and music video director Nzingha Stewart is scripting.