Buzz
The 1960s introduced a distinctive film genre known as 'beach party movies.' These films typically featured a group of 'teenagers' (often loosely defined), surfing scenes, beach settings, a handful of adult characters, and a straightforward, lighthearted storyline.
The central theme was straightforward: a wholesome romance between a boy and a girl faces external challenges, such as a villainous adult, a rival suitor vying for the girl's attention, or a glamorous newcomer attempting to lure the boy away.
The storyline unfolds with a mix of '60s musical performances, comedic moments, and a heartwarming conclusion where the couple reaffirms their unbreakable bond. Despite their predictable and formulaic nature, these low-budget beach party films gained immense popularity in the early to mid-1960s. Teens across the U.S. were drawn to the surfing scenes, lighthearted humor, and, let's face it, the attractive young cast in their stylish swimwear. (Interestingly, these movies were often filmed at Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA, during winter to align with release schedules, leaving the actors to brave the cold in their summer attire.)
While numerous imitations and spin-offs emerged (filmmakers never miss an opportunity to capitalize on a successful formula), the 'classic' beach party movies were produced by American-International Studios, primarily directed by William Asher, totaling seven films.
1. BEACH PARTY (1963)
Released in 1963, Beach Party marked the debut of the official 'beach party' movie genre and became a massive box-office hit. It featured the iconic duo Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. (Interestingly, Frankie always portrayed a character named 'Frankie,' while Annette was typically called 'Didi' or 'Dolores.') Despite being in his twenties during filming, Frankie convincingly played a 'teen' for years. Annette, fresh from her role as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, embodied the pure, wholesome beach girl. Walt Disney reportedly opposed her wearing a bikini, fearing it would harm her and Disney's image. (It's worth noting that Annette's bikini was far from revealing—it was modest and almost resembled a one-piece with a small midsection cutout.)
Annette, more than anyone else, played a pivotal role in making bikinis widely accepted and fashionable among American women and countless others worldwide. From its debut in 1946 to Annette's bikini appearances in these films, bikini sales in the U.S. skyrocketed by an astonishing 3000 percent. Additionally, the movies spurred a significant surge in surfboard sales among young men in the mid-'60s.
2. MUSCLE BEACH PARTY (1964)
Following Beach Party, three additional beach party films were released in 1964: Muscle Beach Party and Pajama Party. The first two adhered to the familiar formula, starring Frankie and Annette. Muscle Beach Party is notable for marking the big-screen debut of 'little' Stevie Wonder. These films also served as platforms for other music icons, including the Beach Boys, Little Richard, the Animals, and the Supremes.
3. BIKINI BEACH (1964)
The third installment, Bikini Beach, introduces a quirky twist: Frankie takes on dual roles, portraying both 'Frankie' and a peculiar rock star named 'The Potato Bug.' Clearly a parody of The Beatles (beetles, potato bug—see the connection?), Frankie's character sports a mustache, glasses, and an exaggerated British accent. Ultimately, Frankie's charm prevails, ensuring 'The Potato Bug' doesn't steal Annette away.
A recurring and unforgettable character in nearly all the beach party films, including Bikini Beach, was Harvey Lembeck as Eric Von Zipper. Lembeck, a talented character actor, portrayed Von Zipper as a comedic, middle-aged spoof of Marlon Brando's leather-clad biker from The Wild One (1953). As the teens' bumbling antagonist, Von Zipper often found himself outwitted. His signature gag—a paralyzing finger pressed to his temple—left audiences in stitches.
4. PAJAMA PARTY (1964)
The third beach party film of 1964, Pajama Party, stands out primarily because Tommy Kirk, a former Disney actor, stepped into the 'Frankie' role as Annette's love interest. Frankie only makes brief appearances, and Kirk struggles to fill the void. In a bizarre twist, Kirk portrays a Martian (!) who lands on Earth, mingles with the local teens, and is understandably bewildered. Keep an eye out for a young Teri Garr, who appears briefly as one of the dancers buried in the sand.
5. BEACH BLANKET BINGO (1965)
The beach party movie genre peaked in 1965 with Beach Blanket Bingo, widely considered the best in the series. The film balances humor with moments of genuine emotion. Frankie delivers his standout song, 'These are the Good Times,' while a young Don Rickles offers a taste of his infamous comedic style. Paul Lynde provides additional laughs, and the legendary Buster Keaton showcases his slapstick genius. Linda Evans shines as the stunning singer Sugar Kane, and Marta Kristen (from TV's Lost in Space) plays a mermaid named Lorelei, sharing a whimsical moment with 'Bonehead' (Jody McCrea). Beach Blanket Bingo captures the essence of the early 1960s, even as the cultural tide began to shift.
6. HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI (1965)
In 1965's How to Stuff a Wild Bikini, Frankie's screen time is limited to just six minutes. (Perhaps he was growing tired of playing the eternally youthful surfer boy.) Dwayne Hickman, known for his role in 'Dobie Gillis,' steps in but fails to match Frankie's charisma.
How to Stuff a Wild Bikini offers a delightful performance by Mickey Rooney as 'Peachy' Keane, a flamboyant ad executive, alongside the charming Beverly Adams as his protégé. Rooney later revealed that his agent was furious about the role, as American-International approached him directly, bypassing his agent. Despite this, Rooney enjoyed the experience, relishing the youthful energy on set and the constant rock 'n' roll soundtrack. The paycheck was also a welcome relief, as he had recently filed for bankruptcy.
7. GHOST IN THE INVISIBLE BIKINI (1966)
The last of the classic beach party films, 1966's Ghost in the Invisible Bikini, marked the end of an era. Despite the absence of Frankie, Annette, surfing, and beaches, this quirky movie is still categorized as part of the genre. Boris Karloff, in one of his final roles, stars alongside Deborah Walley, who replaces Annette. Tommy Kirk steps in for Frankie, as both original leads had moved on. The film centers on a bikini-clad ghost who acts as a guardian angel to Walley's character. While it’s a campy oddity, it’s a guilty pleasure for those who enjoy the sight of a stunning ghost in a bikini. (Admittedly, I’m among them.)
With Ghost in the Invisible Bikini, the beach party movie era officially came to a close.
