Released in 1985, Private Resort is a slapstick comedy that showcases the early career of Johnny Depp and Rob Morrow. Directed by George Bowers and written by Gordon Mitchell, Ken Segall, and Alan Wenkus, the film is a quintessential 1980s comedy, filled with zany antics, over-the-top characters, and the type of irreverent humor that defined the decade. Set in a luxurious Florida resort, the movie follows two young men as they embark on a wild weekend filled with romantic pursuits, chaotic misunderstandings, and run-ins with a comically villainous jewel thief.
While Private Resort did not achieve critical acclaim upon its release, it has since garnered a cult following, particularly among fans of 1980s comedies. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Private Resort, including a detailed summary of the plot, character breakdowns, thematic exploration, and a discussion of its cultural impact.
Plot Summary
Private Resort is centered around two best friends, Ben (Rob Morrow) and Jack (Johnny Depp), who check into a lavish Florida resort for a weekend of fun, sun, and adventure. The film’s plot unfolds over the course of their stay, as they become entangled in a series of increasingly absurd situations, all while pursuing their primary goal: meeting and seducing beautiful women.
Act 1: Arrival at the Resort
The film opens with Ben and Jack arriving at the upscale seaside resort, eager to indulge in the pleasures that the weekend promises. Both are young, carefree, and driven by the desire to meet women and enjoy themselves. Ben, who is more reserved, tends to think things through, while Jack is the more impulsive and confident of the two. The duo’s chemistry is immediately apparent, as they joke and banter, setting the tone for the comedic escapades to follow.
As they explore the resort, the film introduces several other key characters, including the film’s antagonist, a jewel thief known simply as “The Maestro” (Hector Elizondo). The Maestro, who poses as a respectable guest, is at the resort to steal a valuable diamond necklace from a wealthy socialite named Mrs. Rawlings (Dody Goodman). Assisting The Maestro is his bumbling and somewhat dim-witted wife, Bobbie Sue (Leslie Easterbrook). This subplot adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the otherwise lighthearted narrative.
Act 2: The Chaos Begins
Ben and Jack quickly settle into the resort’s social scene, which includes parties, poolside lounging, and attempts to woo the female guests. Jack’s attention is immediately drawn to Patti (Emily Longstreth), a beautiful and kind-hearted young woman staying at the resort with her grandmother. Patti is charmed by Jack’s confidence, but she also sees through his attempts at seduction, making for a playful and flirtatious dynamic.
Meanwhile, Ben finds himself smitten with Dana (Karyn O’Bryan), a waitress working at the resort. Unlike Jack, Ben is more awkward and hesitant, leading to several humorous moments as he tries to muster the courage to talk to her. Ben’s romantic subplot is marked by a series of endearing and relatable blunders, contrasting with Jack’s more aggressive approach to romance.
As the weekend progresses, the film’s various subplots begin to intertwine. Ben and Jack inadvertently become involved in The Maestro’s scheme when they unknowingly thwart his first attempt to steal Mrs. Rawlings’ necklace. This sets off a chain reaction of misunderstandings and comic situations, with The Maestro becoming increasingly frustrated by the duo’s unwitting interference. At the same time, Mrs. Rawlings becomes suspicious of everyone around her, convinced that someone is after her jewels.
Act 3: The Climactic Confrontation
The film’s third act ramps up the chaos as all the characters’ storylines converge. Ben and Jack, still unaware of The Maestro’s true identity, continue their pursuit of Patti and Dana, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. In one memorable scene, Jack attempts to impress Patti by pretending to be a wealthy guest, only for his ruse to be hilariously exposed.
Simultaneously, The Maestro makes several increasingly desperate attempts to steal the necklace, each of which is foiled by either Ben and Jack’s antics or his own incompetence. The situation comes to a head during the resort’s climactic costume ball, where The Maestro plans to make his final move. Dressed as a matador, The Maestro devises a plan to distract the guests while he steals the necklace. However, things quickly spiral out of control as Ben and Jack, dressed in equally ridiculous costumes, accidentally thwart his plan once again.
The film’s climax is a whirlwind of slapstick comedy, mistaken identities, and frantic chases through the resort. In the end, The Maestro is exposed, and the necklace is safely returned to Mrs. Rawlings. Ben and Jack, having inadvertently saved the day, are hailed as heroes by the resort staff and guests. The film closes with Ben finally working up the nerve to ask Dana out on a proper date, while Jack and Patti share a romantic moment by the pool.
Characters
Private Resort is driven by its colorful cast of characters, each of whom contributes to the film’s humor and charm. The characters’ distinct personalities and interactions are central to the film’s appeal, as they navigate the absurd situations that arise over the course of the weekend.
- Ben (Rob Morrow): Ben is the more reserved and thoughtful of the two protagonists. He is genuinely interested in finding a meaningful connection with someone, but his shyness often gets in the way. Ben’s romantic subplot with Dana is one of the film’s more grounded elements, providing a contrast to the wackier antics surrounding him.
- Jack (Johnny Depp): Jack is the confident and outgoing half of the duo. His primary goal is to have a good time, and he approaches life with a devil-may-care attitude. Jack’s pursuit of Patti drives much of the film’s plot, and his character embodies the carefree spirit of the 1980s teen comedy. Depp’s performance as Jack is charming and energetic, showcasing the charisma that would later make him a major star.
- The Maestro (Hector Elizondo): The Maestro is the film’s primary antagonist, a seasoned jewel thief who is determined to steal Mrs. Rawlings’ necklace. Elizondo’s portrayal of The Maestro is both menacing and comedic, as his increasingly desperate attempts to succeed are continually thwarted by Ben and Jack. The Maestro’s interactions with his wife, Bobbie Sue, add an additional layer of humor, as their relationship is characterized by constant bickering and frustration.
- Patti (Emily Longstreth): Patti is the object of Jack’s affections and one of the few characters who sees through his attempts at seduction. Despite this, she is charmed by his persistence and humor, leading to a romantic subplot that develops over the course of the film. Patti is portrayed as kind and intelligent, making her a sympathetic character in the midst of the film’s chaos.
- Dana (Karyn O’Bryan): Dana is the waitress who catches Ben’s eye early in the film. Unlike Patti, she is more reserved and shy, which makes her a perfect match for Ben. Their interactions are marked by awkwardness and endearing moments, providing a sweet counterbalance to the more outrageous elements of the story.
- Mrs. Rawlings (Dody Goodman): Mrs. Rawlings is the wealthy socialite whose diamond necklace is the target of The Maestro’s schemes. She is portrayed as somewhat eccentric and paranoid, convinced that everyone around her is out to steal her jewels. Goodman’s performance adds to the film’s humor, as her character’s exaggerated reactions and over-the-top behavior contribute to the overall sense of farce.
- Bobbie Sue (Leslie Easterbrook): Bobbie Sue is The Maestro’s wife and accomplice, though she is often more of a hindrance than a help. Her character is portrayed as ditzy and easily distracted, leading to several humorous exchanges with The Maestro. Easterbrook’s performance adds to the film’s slapstick tone, as Bobbie Sue’s antics frequently complicate The Maestro’s plans.
Themes and Style
Private Resort is a product of its time, reflecting the comedic sensibilities and cultural trends of the 1980s. The film’s primary focus is on entertainment, with a plot that prioritizes humor and escapism over depth or complexity. Despite its lighthearted tone, the film does touch on several themes that are common in teen comedies of the era.
1. The Pursuit of Pleasure
At its core, Private Resort is about the pursuit of pleasure, whether through romance, adventure, or simply having a good time. Ben and Jack’s primary goal is to enjoy their weekend at the resort, and much of the film’s humor comes from their attempts to achieve this goal. The film’s emphasis on hedonism and fun is emblematic of the 1980s teen comedy genre, which often celebrated youthful exuberance and carefree living.
2. Friendship and Loyalty
The friendship between Ben and Jack is central to the film’s narrative. Despite their differing personalities, the two characters share a deep bond, and their loyalty to each other is evident throughout the film. This theme of friendship is a common thread in many teen comedies, reinforcing the idea that, no matter what challenges arise, the support of a close friend can help navigate any situation.
3. Slapstick and Farce
Private Resort is heavily influenced by the traditions of slapstick and farce, with much of the film’s humor derived from physical comedy, misunderstandings, and exaggerated situations. The film’s comedic style is characterized by its rapid pace, with one absurd situation leading to another in quick succession. This approach to comedy is reflective of the broader trends in 1980s humor, which often favored over-the-top antics and broad gags.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon its release, Private Resort received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom dismissed it as a formulaic and lowbrow comedy. However, the film’s lighthearted tone and energetic performances resonated with a certain segment of the audience, leading to a modest box office performance. Over time, Private Resort has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of 1980s comedies who appreciate its nostalgic charm and carefree spirit.
The film is also notable for featuring an early performance by Johnny Depp, who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. While Private Resort may not have been a critical darling, it holds a place in the annals of 1980s cinema as a quintessential example of the decade’s comedic sensibilities.
Conclusion
Private Resort is a film that encapsulates the essence of 1980s teen comedies, with its focus on fun, friendship, and romantic escapades. While the film may not have been a critical success, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to entertain with its slapstick humor, memorable characters, and lighthearted tone. For fans of 1980s cinema, Private Resort offers a nostalgic trip back to a time when comedy was carefree, and the pursuit of pleasure was the ultimate goal.
Whether you’re drawn to the film for its comedic antics, its portrayal of friendship, or simply to see a young Johnny Depp in one of his earliest roles, Private Resort remains a delightful and entertaining entry in the world of 1980s comedies.
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