The Flamingo Kid

The Flamingo Kid

Year: 1984

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Garry Marshall

DramaComedyRomance

In this nostalgic summer romp, Jeffrey Willis, a restless Brooklyn teenager, trades his humdrum life for the sun-kissed glamour of the Flamingo Club. As he's swept up in the club's lavish world, he finds himself torn between the charms of charismatic Phil Brody and the allure of seductive Carla Samson. But when reality sets in, Jeffrey must confront what truly matters: family.

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Timeline & Setting – The Flamingo Kid (1984)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Flamingo Kid (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer of 1963

The story is set during the summer of 1963, a period marked by significant cultural shifts in America. This era encapsulated the social dynamics surrounding youth culture, leisure activities, and the changing roles of family and education.

Location

Brooklyn, New York, Far Rockaway, Long Island

The movie takes place in the lively borough of Brooklyn, New York, known for its rich culture and diverse neighborhoods. Additionally, scenes unfold at El Flamingo Beach Club in Far Rockaway, Long Island, an exclusive locale celebrated for its luxurious summer festivities and vibrant social scene.

🌆 City 🏖️ Beach Club

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

Main Characters – The Flamingo Kid (1984)
Meet the key characters of The Flamingo Kid (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeffrey Willis (Matt Dillon)

Jeffrey is an ambitious 18-year-old torn between following his father's traditional path or embracing a more adventurous, sales-driven life. His encounters at the El Flamingo Beach Club force him to confront his values, leading to moments of growth and self-realization.

👦 Young Adult 💼 Ambitious

Arthur Willis (Hector Elizondo)

Arthur is Jeffrey's father, a plumber with strong traditional values and aspirations for his son's future. His deep-seated beliefs about education and success create tension with Jeffrey, marking him as a significant figure in his son's defining moments.

👨‍🏭 Father 💔 Traditionalist

Phil Brody (Richard Crenna)

Phil is the charismatic owner of Brody Motors and a skilled card player who initially mentors Jeffrey. His complex nature is revealed through his competitive spirit and the moral dilemmas surrounding his business practices, ultimately influencing Jeffrey's decisions.

🚗 Mentor 🎩 Charismatic

Carla Samson (Janet Jones)

Carla is a stunning blonde from California who captures Jeffrey's heart during his summer at the beach club. Her character embodies the allure of new experiences and relationships, serving as a catalyst for Jeffrey's emotional growth.

❤️ Love Interest 🌟 Captivating

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

Major Themes – The Flamingo Kid (1984)
Explore the central themes of The Flamingo Kid (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Dynamics

The theme of family dynamics plays a crucial role as Jeffrey navigates the expectations of his father, who desires a traditional educational path for him. Their conflicting views lead to tension that highlights the struggle between personal aspirations and parental wishes, ultimately shaping Jeffrey's journey toward self-discovery.

🎲 Card Games and Strategy

Card games serve as a metaphor for life's strategic challenges in the film. Jeffrey's adeptness at gin rummy symbolizes his burgeoning understanding of risk, competition, and the importance of integrity, especially when faced with moral choices.

🌊 Coming of Age

The coming-of-age theme is prevalent as Jeffrey grapples with his identity and future amid newfound independence. The beach setting serves as a backdrop for pivotal experiences that shape his character, relationships, and aspirations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

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