Beach Party was released by American International Pictures on July 14, 1963
Director: William Asher
Beach Party cast: Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Robert Cummings, and Dorothy Malone
Musical Guests: Dick Dale and the Deltones
Like I said, we’re not discussing the classics here, and nothing drives that point home like AIP’s Beach Party. Yet, in spite of the film’s many shortcomings (which include an unlikely plot, and a host of overage actors ardently overacting), it became a wildly successful film that spawned a seven-film franchise that succeeded largely by re-cycling most of those very same over-actors, and much of that very same improbable plot. Life was simpler back then, but not as simple as is suggested by this mid-century, teenage fantasy by the sea, where the kids run wild (up to a point) and the adults know their place (most of them). Highlights include the spontaneous musical outbursts of Frankie, Annette, and Dick (King of the surf guitar) Dale.
Featured Califormulants
Since the film really doesn’t stray far from the one beach house setting, the best location shots are those out in the wet. The real surfing scenes are quite good and leave us with an excellent record of mid-century surf styles performed by several of Malibu’s most renowned surfers, including Miki Dora. A couple of low rent, ramshackle beach houses are shown that have long ago been replaced with much more upscale dwellings, and only one car appears in the final print: a modified Ford Model T touring car.
Persons of Interest
With two east coast born and bred, raven-haired Italians in the leading roles, Asher tried to establish visual credibility by surrounding them with 100% genuine Malibu locals in the featured and background roles in addition to the stand-in surfing many were hired to do. It was a brilliant bit of casting that not only added visual authenticity but also energized the entire production of Beach Party and nearly all of the other beach-party-like films AIP would produce in the coming years. Honored for their significant contribution are: Linda Benson, Linda Bent, Patti Chandler, Roger Christian, Mickey Dora, Johnny Fain, Ed Garner, Luree Holmes, Mary Hughes, Candy Johnson, Meredith MacRae, Michael Nader, Salli Sachse, Gary Usher, and Delores Wells.