Beach Party

This sappy but painless picture proved to be a bonanza for AIP, launching the series of "beach movies" starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello (not to mention a number of imitations). Avalon, Funicello, and various empty-headed, well-built pals cavort on the beach under the observation of anthropologist Cummings and his secretary, Malone, who are studying teenage sex habits at Malibu. If this picture is any indication, there were no such habits, just the usual adolescent jealousy, temptation, and true love. Lembeck roars in on his motorcycle to introduce his series staple character, Eric Von Zipper (a parody of Marlon Brando in THE WILD ONE). Also appearing a...