Watch Under the Boardwalk: A Ukulele Love Story

Under the Boardwalk: A Ukulele Love Story is a documentary musical movie from 2011 directed by Richard A. Gaudio. The film stars legendary Hawaiian musicians George Kahumoku and Bill Tapia in their journey exploring the history and evolution of the ukulele, a small four-stringed instrument widely associated with Hawaiian music. The movie begins with George and Bill meeting up in Honolulu, Hawaii, and setting out on a road trip across America to discover the hidden stories behind the ukulele. They visit various cities, attending concerts, music stores, museums, and meeting up with renowned musicians and enthusiasts along the way.

The film highlights the early roots of the ukulele, bringing us back to the late 19th century when Portuguese immigrants brought machetes, the predecessor to the ukulele, to Hawaii. We see how the instrument became integrated into Hawaiian culture, and how it evolved over time to become a staple instrument in various genres of music, including country, jazz, and pop.

As George and Bill travel, they share stories about their own experiences learning and playing the ukulele, and how the instrument has impacted their lives. They also perform various pieces throughout the film, showcasing the remarkable range the instrument has.

One of the key points the film makes is that the ukulele is an inclusive instrument, meant for anyone to play regardless of age, gender, or experience. This message is reinforced throughout the film by the various individuals George and Bill meet who have turned to the ukulele as a way to connect with others and improve their mental and physical health.

The film also sheds light on some of the challenges the ukulele faced over the years, from being almost forgotten during the height of Rock n’ Roll in the 50s and 60s to struggling to find mainstream success. However, with the help of enthusiastic players and a renewed appreciation for traditional Hawaiian music, the ukulele has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Overall, Under the Boardwalk: A Ukulele Love Story is a joyful and inspiring journey through the history and culture of the ukulele, as well as an ode to the power of music to bring individuals together. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in music, Hawaiian culture, or simply looking for an uplifting and heartwarming film.

Under the Boardwalk: A Ukulele Love Story is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.