Waikiki Wedding

Waikiki Wedding

Year: 1937

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Tuttle

ComedyRomance

Tony Marvin, a laid‑back yet successful promoter for J.P. Todhunter’s pineapple company in Hawaii, runs a contest offering a vacation and a writing gig. Winner Georgia Smith feels isolated and wants to return home. With friend Shad Buggle’s help, Tony tries to keep her on the islands and win her affection while hiding his aim of publicity for firm.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Waikiki Wedding yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Waikiki Wedding (1937)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Waikiki Wedding (1937). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The film takes place in the 1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression and a burgeoning entertainment industry. Hawaii was an American territory, known for its exotic appeal and as a vacation spot for tourists and celebrities. The era's cultural influence is reflected in the film's music and romanticized depiction of island life.

Location

Hawaii, Waikiki

The movie is set in Hawaii, specifically in Waikiki, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and as a popular tourist destination. It captures the lively island atmosphere with native ceremonies and scenic coastal views. The island setting plays a key role in the romantic and cultural elements of the story.

🌺 Tropical 🏝️ Island Paradise 🎶 Scenic Beaches

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:06

Main Characters – Waikiki Wedding (1937)

Meet the key characters of Waikiki Wedding (1937), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tony Marvin (Bing Crosby)

Tony is a charming publicity agent who devises schemes to promote his company and entertain others. He is resourceful, optimistic, and deeply cares about love, often finding himself in comedic and romantic situations. Tony's character embodies the blend of humor and heart central to the film.

🎬 Protagonist 💃 Romantic 😂 Comic

Georgia Smith (not specified, but portrayed as the Pineapple Girl)

Georgia is the winning contestant of the Pineapple Girl contest, initially bored and eager to return home. She is kind-hearted, spirited, and finds herself caught in the romantic antics of the story. Her character evolves as she navigates misunderstandings and genuine affection.

🎭 Romantic Lead 🌺 Naive 💖 Sweet

Shad Buggle (Bob Burns)

Shad provides comic relief as Tony’s friend, often involved in humorous misadventures with Walford the pig. He is lively, mischievous, and adds a playful energy to the story, supporting the romantic and cultural narrative.

😂 Comic 🐷 Prankster 🎉 Supportive

J.P. Todhunter (George Barbier)

J.P. is the president of the Imperial Pineapple Company, focused on maintaining the company's publicity efforts. He is authoritative, practical, and concerned with the company's image, often clashing with the protagonists' romantic schemes.

🎩 Authority 💼 Business 🧐 Strategist

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:06

Major Themes – Waikiki Wedding (1937)

Explore the central themes of Waikiki Wedding (1937), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏝️ Romance

Romance drives much of the plot, with characters engaging in love interests and misunderstandings set against the picturesque Hawaiian backdrop. The story explores themes of love, deception, and reconciliation, culminating in a romantic resolution amidst the island scenery.

🎭 Culture & Tradition

The film highlights Hawaiian customs, legends, and traditional music, emphasizing the island's rich cultural heritage. It depicts native ceremonies, legends about volcanoes, and local rituals, serving as a backdrop for the romantic comedy.

🎶 Music & Entertainment

Music plays a central role, with performances of Hawaiian songs like 'Blue Hawaii' and 'In a Little Hula Heaven' integral to the narrative. The film showcases the lively entertainment scene of Hawaii in the 1930s, blending native and popular music styles.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:06

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Tropical Escapist Romances like Waikiki Wedding

Love stories that blossom amidst idyllic island settings and festive atmospheres.Find more movies like Waikiki Wedding that offer a delightful romantic escape. These films feature charming love stories set against beautiful island or tropical backdrops, filled with music, playful humor, and a sense of carefree adventure perfect for a lighthearted viewing experience.

tropicalromanticwhimsicalfestivecheerfulplayfulmusicalescapist

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a straightforward romantic arc, often initiated by a comedic premise like a fake relationship or a publicity stunt. The conflict is low-stakes, driven by gentle misunderstandings and playful interactions, which are easily resolved to pave the way for a happy, feel-good ending. The journey is more about fun and courtship than deep drama.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific, appealing combination of a romantic plot, a whimsical and cheerful tone, and a tropical setting that acts as a character itself. They provide a consistent vibe of warm, breezy, musical escapism.

Movies with Fake Romance Plots like Waikiki Wedding

Comedies where a publicity stunt or white lie sparks an unexpected real connection.If you liked the fake publicity stunt twist in Waikiki Wedding, you'll enjoy these other films. Discover romantic comedies and lighthearted stories centered around characters who start a deception only to find real love, filled with humorous mishaps and charming courtships.

comicalromanticplayfulmisunderstandingscourtshipcharmingdeceptionhappy

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who initiates a deception for professional or personal gain, which requires them to spend time with another character. The initial fake dynamic creates comedic tension and misunderstandings, but through a series of lighthearted events, authentic feelings develop. The climax involves the revelation of the truth and a grand gesture that solidifies the real romance.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a specific and popular plot device—the fake relationship trope. They share a light tone, a focus on romantic comedy, and a predictable yet satisfying emotional journey from deception to authenticity, making the recommendations feel coherent and targeted.

Unlock the Full Story of Waikiki Wedding

Don't stop at just watching — explore Waikiki Wedding in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Waikiki Wedding is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Waikiki Wedding Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Waikiki Wedding, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Waikiki Wedding Summary

Waikiki Wedding Timeline

Track the full timeline of Waikiki Wedding with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Waikiki Wedding Timeline

Waikiki Wedding Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Waikiki Wedding that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Waikiki Wedding Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Waikiki Wedding

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Waikiki Wedding: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Waikiki Wedding

Similar Movies to Waikiki Wedding

Discover movies like Waikiki Wedding that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.