The 21 Jul 1964 DV reported that producer Sam Katzman planned to star actor
George Hamilton in a modernized version of the 1930 George and Ira Gershwin musical,
Girl Crazy, for release through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (MGM). Previous
screen adaptations were released in 1932 and 1943, the latter starring
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. A news item in the 7 Oct 1964 DV
implied that Hamilton was no longer a candidate, and suggested the casting of Garland’s
daughter, Liza Minelli, with one of Mickey Rooney’s sons. Katzman apparently
ignored the advice and offered the male lead to singer Jack Jones, as stated in the 14 Nov
1964 LAT. According to the 7 May 1965 DV, Jones declined, citing a series of
prior nightclub and television obligations. He was replaced by Harve Presnell, who was
concurrently appearing in Camelot at the Valley Music Theater in Woodland Hills,
CA, as stated in the 26 May 1965 LAT. The 9 Jun 1965 LAT reported that Paul
Anka and Fran Jeffries had joined the cast in supporting roles. One week later, the 16
Jun 1965 edition announced Jeffrey Hayden as director. He was later replaced by Alvin
Ganzer. A news brief in the 22 Jan 1965 LAT noted that veteran actor Arthur
O’Connell was considered for a character role.

       On 8 Jun 1965, LAT reported the new title as I’ve Got Rhythm. Four days
later, DV revealed the official title, When the Boys Meet the Girls,
and stated that the film would feature several new songs in addition to those written by
the Gershwin brothers. A news item in the 14 Jul 1965 Var explained that the
change was necessitated by the original title’s close resemblance to that of the current
release, Girl Happy (1965, see entry). On 16 Jul 1965, female lead Connie Francis
finished prerecording the Gershwin songs, “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm,” and
“But Not For Me,” as noted in that day’s DV. Principal photography began three
days later, according to a 23 Jul 1965 DV production chart.
       The 20 Jul 1965 DV announced Paul Anka’s departure, prompted by a
previous commitment. He was replaced by Joby Baker. The next day’s issue stated that
Fran Jeffries also left the production, reportedly because “her MGM Records bosses”
forbade her to appear in a role that required off-key singing. She was replaced by Sue
Ane Langdon.
       The picture marked the screen debut of the English band, Herman’s Hermits. Lead
singer Peter “Herman” Noone was assigned a speaking role, as noted in the 7 Jul 1965
DV. Various sources state that he had prior experience as a child actor in British
television. Days before filming began, the 15 Jul 1965 issue revealed that Katzman
rearranged the shooting schedule to accommodate the Hermits, who were expected in
New York City the following week. The 21 Jul 1965 LAT claimed that “a small
riot” by fans accompanied the band’s arrival two days earlier at MGM Studios in Culver
City, CA, and police were needed to restore order. That day’s issue of DV stated
that the Hermits had completed their scenes and were in transit to the East Coast.
       Also appearing in the picture were the comedy team of Pepper Davis and Tony Reese,
who were commuting from an engagement at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, NV, according
to the 22 Jul 1965 DV. Their scenes were scheduled for daytime shooting on 26 and
27 Jul 1965, after which they returned to Las Vegas for their evening show. The 23 Jul
1965 DV announced that legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong would arrive on
set two days later. Production ended 10 Aug 1965, as stated in that day’s DV.
       Additional cast members included Chris Noel (12 Jun 1965 LAT); Wilda Taylor,
Rene Jarmon, Dee Jay Mattis, Bea Bush, Kitty Malone, Victoria Scrutin, Doris Lorentz,
Cathy Gale, Tom Cahill, Gary Menteer, Fred Curt, Bruce How, Bert May, Walter Painter,
George LeFaye, Cecil Gold, Marc Wilder, Bobby Thompson, Wayne Albritton, Jerry
Jackson, Doug Riviera, and Kevin Edwards (9 Jul 1965 DV); Linda Carroll (5 Aug
1965 DV); and Gail Hillson (6 Aug 1965 DV). The 19 Jul 1965 DV noted
that Sam Katzman’s wife, Hortense Petra, appeared as “Kate.” The picture marked the
final screen appearance of Russell Collins, who died on 14 Nov 1965.
       When the Boys Meet the Girls debuted 15 Dec 1965 in San Francisco, CA,
as indicated by box-office reports in the 22 Dec 1965 Var. Openings in Los
Angeles, CA, and New York City followed on 22 Dec 1965 and 19 Jan 1966,
respectively. Reviews were generally negative, although the 1 Dec 1965 DV
predicted moderate box-office success for the picture among teenaged audiences.
       The soundtrack album was released on MGM Records, which had several of the
musical performers under contract.
       Copyright length: 97 minutes; also reviewed at 110 min. Shorter version(s) may not contain the Standells sequence.