Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii remains one of the most beloved films in his career. Released in 1961, the movie showcases not only Elvis’s irresistible charm and a stunning Hawaiian backdrop but also features a series of hilarious behind-the-scenes moments that further endear him to fans around the world. While the film is famous for its soundtrack, including timeless songs like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” it also contains a treasure trove of funny bloopers and unexpected moments that many viewers might have missed. These delightful slip-ups add an extra layer of fun to an already entertaining classic.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best and most hilarious bloopers from Blue Hawaii, along with behind-the-scenes stories that you might not have known. From Elvis’s infamous pranks to his uneasy relationship with the film’s production, these moments make Blue Hawaii even more memorable than it already is. Let’s dive into the world of Elvis and uncover the hidden gems that make this movie so special.
Hidden Bloopers
Even the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll wasn’t immune to making mistakes on set, and Blue Hawaii is full of little-known bloopers. While these slip-ups might seem minor, they add a touch of authenticity and humor to the movie, making it all the more enjoyable to watch. Here are a few standout bloopers:
Unexpected Singing Moments
One of the most charming aspects of Blue Hawaii is Elvis’s spontaneous singing. Unlike most of his films, where his character is a musician, Chad Gates (Elvis’s character) unexpectedly breaks into song in the most random of moments. Whether lounging on the beach or paddling a canoe, Elvis’s impromptu musical numbers could be a little cheesy at times, but they added to the film’s lighthearted charm. However, these sudden transitions from casual conversation to song often felt a bit out of place, especially since they were never explained within the storyline. It’s one of the quirks that make the film even more endearing to its audience.
Continuity Errors
Like many films from the 1960s, Blue Hawaii is not immune to continuity errors. One particular scene in the “Almost Always True” car ride features a noticeable mistake. As the camera cuts between characters, Maile’s (Joan Blackman) hands inexplicably change position on the steering wheel, and Chad’s (Elvis’s) arm shifts from resting on his seat to being stretched behind Maile. These little errors might go unnoticed by casual viewers, but for dedicated fans, they’re fun reminders of the film’s less-than-perfect production.
Magic Ukulele
In the pineapple field scene, when Elvis strums his ukulele, keen-eyed viewers will notice that despite the music changing chords, Elvis’s fingers remain static on the instrument. It’s a small mistake, but one that highlights the difference between reality and what’s presented on screen. Interestingly, Elvis later gave that famous ukulele to his good friend, Hank Garland, a well-known guitarist who toured with Elvis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A fun fact: Elvis even etched his initials on the ukulele, making it a unique memento of their friendship.
Funny Moments Behind the Scenes
Aside from the bloopers, Blue Hawaii also provides some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories that highlight Elvis’s sense of humor and playful nature. These moments show the human side of the King, adding to his charm both on and off screen. Let’s take a look at some of these memorable moments:
Elvis’s Prank on Set
Elvis was known for his mischievous sense of humor, and Blue Hawaii was no exception. During filming, Elvis and his girlfriend at the time, Anita Wood, decided to play a prank on the set. Elvis pretended to be dead, and Anita began screaming that he wasn’t breathing. The crew and cast members rushed to his aid in a panic, frantically trying to call an ambulance. When they arrived, they found Elvis sitting up casually and laughing, explaining that it was all just a joke to see their reaction. It was a classic prank from the King, and his playful nature shines through in this story.
The Golf Lesson with Gary Player
Filming in Hawaii provided Elvis with the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some downtime. One of his favorite activities on set was golfing. Elvis was eager to learn from the best, so he invited professional golfer Gary Player to give him a lesson while filming. Gary Player recalls that when he walked onto the set, Elvis greeted him with a hearty “CUT!” and put on a jacket before shaking his hand. Despite not being an expert golfer, Elvis was enthusiastic and ready to learn. Player helped adjust Elvis’s swing, and the two had a great time together. It’s moments like these that remind us of Elvis’s down-to-earth nature, despite his superstar status.
Elvis and Joan: The On-Screen Chemistry
The chemistry between Elvis and his co-star Joan Blackman was undeniable, both on-screen and off-screen. Their characters, Chad and Maile, shared a magical connection that translated into an electric performance. Elvis was so taken with Joan that he repeatedly asked her to appear in more of his films. However, Joan had her own career ambitions and was determined to pursue acting based on her talent, not her association with Elvis. Despite this, their on-screen chemistry remains one of the highlights of Blue Hawaii, and their connection is still remembered fondly by fans.
Unique Facts and Trivia
As with many iconic films, Blue Hawaii is full of interesting trivia and little-known facts. Let’s take a look at some of the unique elements surrounding the film’s production and its lasting legacy:
The Coco Palms Resort
One of the most iconic locations in Blue Hawaii is the Coco Palms Resort, where Elvis’s character and Joan Blackman’s character share a beautiful wedding scene. This stunning resort became synonymous with the film, and Elvis even stayed there during production. Unfortunately, the Coco Palms Resort was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, but visitors to Hawaii can still see the remains of the resort. It’s a haunting reminder of the film’s legacy and Elvis’s connection to the island.
Elvis’s Love for Cars
Throughout his career, Elvis had a well-known love for luxury cars. During the filming of Blue Hawaii, Elvis fell in love with a 1960 MGA 1600 MkI roadster. He was so smitten with the car that he ended up purchasing it, and it is now part of the impressive collection at Graceland. Elvis’s passion for cars is well documented, and this particular vehicle holds a special place in his history.
Final Thoughts
Blue Hawaii is not just a movie—it’s a celebration of Elvis Presley’s enduring charm and talent. Behind the scenes, the film is full of funny moments, bloopers, and personal anecdotes that only add to its appeal. Whether it’s Elvis’s unexpected pranks, his chemistry with Joan Blackman, or the beautiful Hawaiian backdrop, there’s something for every Elvis fan to enjoy. So the next time you watch Blue Hawaii, pay close attention to the little details and the humorous mistakes that make this film even more enjoyable. Elvis wasn’t just The King on screen—he was a legend both on and off the set.
