The Flamingo Kid (released in theaters on Dec. 21, 1984) is a rare gem of 1980s cinema that trades in the decade’s typical slapstick for a soulful, sharply observed look at class, family, and the seductive lure of the “easy life.” Directed by Garry Marshall, it remains one of the most authentic portraits of 1960s adolescence ever put to film.
Set in the summer of 1963, the story follows Jeffrey Willis (Matt Dillon), a blue-collar kid from Brooklyn who takes a summer job as a cabana boy at the upscale El Flamingo Beach Club in Long Island.
Jeffrey is quickly enamored by the world of wealthy members, high-stakes gin rummy, and the beautiful Carla Samson (Janet Jones).
While at the club, Jeffrey falls under the wing of Phil Brody (Richard Crenna), the fast-talking, charismatic gin rummy champion and successful car salesman.
Brody represents everything Jeffrey thinks he wants: money, status, and effortless cool.
This creates a deepening rift between Jeffrey and his hardworking, honest father, Arthur (Hector Elizondo), a plumber who views Brody’s flashiness with justified suspicion.
Along for the ride are Jeffrey’s quintessential Brooklyn friends, including Hawk (Fisher Stevens) and Steve (Brian McNamara), while Jessica Walter shines as Brody’s sophisticated, often exasperated wife.
As the summer wanes, Jeffrey must decide if he wants to follow the “get rich quick” path of his mentor or the integrity of his father.
Dillon gives one of his best early performances here, shedding his “tough guy” persona for something vulnerable and wide-eyed.
However, the film is arguably stolen by Crenna and Elizondo.
Crenna is magnificent as a man who is both a mentor and a cautionary tale, while Elizondo provides the film’s moral heartbeat with a performance of quiet dignity.
The chemistry between these two father figures—one biological, one aspirational—gives the movie its lasting weight.
Bronson Pinchot, Leon, Carole Davis, Joe Grifasi, Steven Weber, John Turturro, and Eric Douglas round out the supporting cast.
Marisa Tomei made her big screen debut in a brief appearance as Mandy.
The Flamingo Kid was the first film to receive a PG-13 rating in the United States, however it was the fifth to be released following Red Dawn, The Woman in Red, Dreamscape, and Dune.
Matt Dillon and Janet Jones in The Flamingo Kid (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for The Flamingo Kid
The Flamingo Kid grossed $2 million on its opening weekend, in limited release.
The film would gross $23.9 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave The Flamingo Kid three and a half stars in his review.
Legacy
The Flamingo Kid is celebrated today for its impeccable period detail and its refusal to rely on easy cliches. Its legacy includes:
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The “Brooklyn to Long Island” Narrative: It captured a specific sociological shift in New York life that resonates with anyone who has felt the pull of upward mobility.
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Garry Marshall’s Range: It proved Marshall could handle poignant, character-driven drama just as well as broad comedy.
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The Universal Theme: It remains a definitive “end of innocence” movie, capturing that specific moment when a young person realizes that their idols are human and flawed.
Warm, funny, and deeply human, The Flamingo Kid is far more than a beach movie; it’s a masterclass in the American coming-of-age genre.
