FAQ

Fed up with winter in the Midwest, four Penmore University girls -- brainy Merritt Andrews (Dolores Hart), 5' 10-1/2" tall Tuggle Carpenter (Paula Prentiss), hockey captain Angie (Connie Francis), and Melanie Tolman (Yvette Mimieux), the youngest and most naïve of the bunch -- decide to spend their spring break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, celebrating the rites of spring where 80% of the celebrants are boys. Tuggle immediately hooks up with equally-as-tall Michigan State communications student 'TV' Thompson (Jim Hutton) but loses him just as quickly when he finds out that she's a 'good girl.' Merritt catches the eye of wealthy Ivy Leaguer Ryder Smith (George Hamilton). Angie winds up with goofy, near-sighted musician Basil Demetomos (Frank Gorshin), and Melanie waxes romantic with Dill (John Brennan) and his fun-loving friends from Yale, until she finds out that their idea of fun is worlds apart from hers.

Where the Boys Are is also a 1960 novel by American writer Glendon Swarthout. The novel was adapted for the film by American screenwriter George Wells. A remake, Where the Boys Are (1984), was released in 1984.

Tuggle gets a disoriented phone call from Melanie and rounds up Merritt and Ryder to drive to the Leland motel where they find Melanie wandering along the road. When Melanie is hit by a car, they take her to the hospital. Merritt is angry and blames Ryder and all other guys who see women as 'something cheap and common just put here for your personal kicks.' After making sure that Melanie will be all right, Merritt promises to stay with her in Ft Lauderdale until she's released from the hospital. Meanwhile, TV has found out about Melanie, shows up at the hospital, and he and Tug make up. The next day, Tug, TV, Angie, and Basil pile into a car and prepare to drive back north. In the final scene, Merritt sits alone on the beach and is joined by Ryder, who plans to stay behind a few days so that he can drive Merritt and Melanie back home. He admits that he doesn't just want a fling with Merritt but wants to know her 'for a long time.' Merritt asks, 'Do you love me?' and he replies, 'I think so.' She then asks, 'Do I love you?' and he replies, 'I hope so.'

Yes. Early in the movie, it's suggested that Melanie and Dill had consensual sex when they return to the motel, and Melanie asks him, 'Dill, you'd never say anything? Tell anyone?' When Dill has to leave town for a few days, Melanie starts going out with Franklin (Rory Harrity). Again, it's only suggested in her conversation with Merritt, the night after Melanie comes home drunk, that she also had sex with Franklin. Only suggestions. Nothing overt. However, when Dill returns and corners Melanie in the room at the Marina Motel where she was supposed to be meeting Franklin, it's obvious from her behavior, her open dress, and her messed hair that Dill forced himself upon her against her wishes.