MIKE'S DRIVE-IN: A 1960'S BEACH PARTY DOUBLE FEATURE

 

WILD ON THE BEACH (1965)

Despite the somewhat suggestive title, no one in this film gets the least bit wild, and hardly anybody actually sets foot on a beach. But don't let such minor details steer you away.

Top billed Frankie Randall (described on the trailer as "The Singing Sensation") and Sherry Jackson (known primarily as one of Danny Thomas' kids on TV's MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY) end up sharing the same beach house with several other college students of both genders. Conflict ensues. Not to mention drama. But not so much to prevent the kids from hanging out together at the local coffee house, The Wheel. There they listen to the swinging sounds of The Astronauts, drummer Sandy Nelson, Jackie and Gayle and none other than Sonny and Cher, performing It's Gonna Rain. The latter duo look completely out of place in their hippie garb among the well dressed, clean cut, middle class darlings who inhabit the universe of this strange little movie.

At some point, Frankie and Sherry manage to take a walk on the beach, both of them barefoot and holding hands as the waves caress the sand. This gives Frankie a chance to lip synch a song called The Gods of Love while Sherry gazes at him adoringly.

The rest of the movie is filled with slapstick comedy bits and the usual atrocious dancing endemic to all beach party flicks. Still, this was fun to watch. Shot in black and white. Directed by Maury Dexter, who also gave the world SURF PARTY (1964) and THE MINI-SKIRT MOB (1968). Thanks, Maury!!

FOR THOSE WHO THINK YOUNG (1964)

Nineteen sixty-four was the year I became a teenager. I can't remember what I was doing that summer, but I somehow managed to miss seeing this movie. Just a few years ago I picked up a copy from The Video Beat.com, one of my favorite online sites to acquire flicks from the days of my lost youth. But the one thought that came to mind after seeing this was: Were the 1960's really this boring?

Maybe it's foolish to expect too much from a movie that takes its title from a soft drink jingle. ("Now it's Pepsi...for those who think young," Remember? If you DO remember, then you are no longer young, and no amount of thinking that way is going to help you.) But this convoluted mess takes boredom to a whole new level. The director, Leslie H. Martinson, was mostly a director of television shows, which explains why this film seems like a half hour sitcom that has overstayed its welcome.

The film attempts to cash in on the beach party craze of the period. Stock footage of surfing is included. This footage contains some of the best moments the film has to offer. Naturally, there is plenty of singing and dancing out on the sand, all of which is every bit as bad as what is featured in all beach flicks. But what is really missing here is the sense of fun and the undeniable Frankie/Annette chemistry of the American-International movies. The stars of the film are James Darren and Pamela Tiffin. Both of them are attractive, talented actors. And Darren is a terrific singer. But they're let down by the story. 

James Darren and Pamela Tiffin

Speaking of the story: Rich kid and party animal Darren is out to get gorgeous Tiffin in a compromising position. Meanwhile, her two guardians, Paul Lynde and Woody Woodbury, are busy trying to make a success of their beach hangout, aptly called Surf's Up. Darren's grandfather wants to shut the place down. Most of the action takes place at the hangout. Surf's Up has a resident stripper played by Tina Louise. Miss Louise shows off some sexy moves, but never gets around to taking too many clothes off. Most of the entertainment at the club is provided by Woodbury's comedy routines. Woodbury was a successful comic and radio personality in real life, and his scenes in the film are quite enjoyable. Also featured are Bob Denver and a young actress named Ellen MaCrea, later to change her last name to Burstyn. Making their film debuts are Nancy Sinatra and Claudia Martin, daughter of Dean martin. Miss Sinatra was two years away from an extensive cosmetic and professional makeover that would lead to a successful singing career, beginning with the hit song, These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. Miss Martin was two years away from, well, obscurity, for the most part. Bob Denver was still channeling his iconic Maynard G. Krebs beatnik persona from THE DOBIE GILLIS SHOW. He and Tina Louise, soon to be shipwrecked for all eternity on GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, have no scenes together. Two fugitives from the AIP films, Susan Hart and Mike Nader, show up during the orgiastic dance segments.

The movie does have its moments, mostly because of the adult stars. Robert Middleton is his usual formidable self as Darren's grandfather, and the always delightful Anna Lee is Darren's mother. There are some fun cameos from three old time players from the 1930's and 40's: Jack LaRue, Robert Armstrong and Allen Jenkins. And there is a brief appearance by the ubiquitous Bess Flowers, possibly the most famous extra, and one of the most recognizable faces in cinematic history.

Best advice for those who think young: Grab an ice cold Pepsi-Cola, get comfortable, and let the 60's nostalgia wash over you. Just don't take any of this too seriously.

Nancy Sinatra and Bob Denver share a mystical moment in For Those Who Think Young