The Flamingo Kid (1984)

Set in 1963 Brooklyn, a young kid (Matt Dillon) from a working class family finds himself working in a posh private beach club in Long Island. It's there that he finds his middle class values challenged by a rich auto dealerships owner (Richard Crenna) and the first flush of young love with a visiting California blonde (Janet Jones). Directed by Garry Marshall, this coming of age story is a real delight. Marshall has a nice eye for detail and the little touches spring up everywhere giving it the ring of authenticity even if it clearly has its eyes on the commercial marketplace. It's good enough so that when we'e given the predictable contrived ending, we don't really mind. The acting is very good with young Dillon giving a terrific performance. Crenna (in his best film performance) and Jessica Walter as his wife manage to steal a scene or two. The luscious Jones may not be an accomplished actress but she's positively yummy! With Hector Elizondo, Fisher Stevens, Bronson Pinchot, Martha Gehman, Steven Weber and Marisa Tomei.