Bob Hastings, Don Ameche, Joey Forman

"Man the Laffboats" reads the original 1970 cover of Disney’s classic whodunnit film comedy, a seaside shenanigan starring an accident-prone ensign and a trio of bumbling jewel thieves. Robert Mo...( read more  read more... )rse (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) plays Coast Guard Ensign Thomas Garland, an earnest public servant trying to live under the towering shadow of his late father while convinced he’s jinxed since he can barely control the chaotic waters of Newport harbor. In the middle of the nautical madness come Harry (Phil Silvers), Max (Norman Fell), and Charlie (Mickey Shaughnessy), low-grade criminals trying to recover a picnic basket of stolen jewels that was accidentally dropped into the bay. Canoes, catamarans, and submarines cavort within the simple storyline, which allows ample opportunity for the talented supporting cast to set sail into the spotlight including Stefanie Powers (playing smart, sincere Kate Fairchild), and Don Ameche (Commander Taylor). Plenty of sea-faring slapstick will keep all ages suitably entertained and even when the gags occasionally run aground, Disney stays the course with a predictably happy ending awash in wedding bells. (G-rated) --Lynn Gibson

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47% liked it

65 ratings

G, 99 min.

Directed by: Norman Tokar

Release Date: July 1, 1970

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DVD Release Date: August 2, 2005

Stats: 29 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (29)


  • November 10, 2009
    With its unusual coastguard-gone-wacky premise and a solid cast of comic talent that includes Phil Silvers, Don Ameche and Normal Fell, 1970's "The Boatniks" delivers exactly the sort of gentle, goofy fun that it sets out to, though it also never really rises above the level of "...( read more)competent". The tv-ready direction of Disney gun-for-hire Norman Tokar gives the proceedings a pleasant if unremarkable polish, while Arthur Julian's script, which revolves around a hapless ensign's (Robert Morse) clumsy attempts to foil a trio of incompetent jewel thieves while simultaneously romancing a local beauty (Stefanie Powers), dishes out plenty of clever gags but also meanders along at an unnecessarily lackadaisical pace (there's no particular reason this movie needed to be 100 minutes long). While much of the comedy is affable, and on a few occasions even laugh-out-loud funny, there's nothing particularly memorable here either... there are no major comic innovations or jaw-dropping set-pieces to be had (and even the potentially whimsical submarine vs. rowboat chase at the end feels somewhat lackluster). Though hardly a classic, "The Boatniks" is enjoyable enough in its own good-natured if unexceptional way.
  • September 24, 2007
    one of my favorite Disney movies and the cast of Characters
  • June 18, 2006
    I can not believe that I am the first to comment on this movie. If you liked The Three Stooges or the Marx Brothers you will like this movie. Phil Silvers, Norman Fell, and I believe his name was Mickey Shaughnessy steal the show as dim witted crooks. An accident prone coastguard...( read more) creates havoc at a boating marina but is thought a hero after catching the three dimwitted Jewel thieves. A hilarious farce that ends in underwater histarics. I remember seeing this movie as a kid and having endless dreams about owning a two man submarine. An Underrated Unknown Disney Live action movie. If you liked Classic Disney live action movies this is a must see.
    : Hard to believe these guys stole those jewels in the first place.

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