Movies: “Beach Blanket Bingo”

Apr. 14, 1965 - Opening today is “Beach Blanket Bingo,” a beach party film directed by William Asher. It is the fifth film in the Beach Party film series. 

The film stars Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Linda Evans, Deborah Walley, Paul Lynde, and Don Rickles. Earl Wilson and Buster Keaton also appear.

In the story, Frankie (Avalon), Dee Dee (Funicello), and the gang meet singing sensation Sugar Kane (Evans) in a publicity stunt. They all get introduced to skydiving and get caught up in love.

The part of Sugar Kane, played by Evans, was intended for Nancy Sinatra. This change was due in part to the fact that the plot involved a kidnapping, somewhat reminiscent of her brother Frank Sinatra Jr.’s kidnapping a few months before shooting began. This made her uncomfortable, causing her to drop out.

The score for this movie, like the four preceding it, was composed by Les Baxter.

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