DRIVE IN MOVIES, Saturday nights and American-International Pictures all contributed to the genesis of this particular genre of teen-age formula comedies. Extreme frugality, quick production schedules and the carefully calculated selection of casts, all made for an assured profit margin.THE CAST MEMBERS, in particular, were a very important commodity in the success of one of these productions. The rosters were a mixed bag of the over the hill and the up and coming. Comic relief was supplied by the likes of Buster Keaton, Buddy Hackett and Don Rickles; but not in the same film. That would only serve to bloat budgets.THE SERIES OF comedies featuring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon seemingly being eternally at the Beach,had essayed many a situation; when the idea struck someone that there could be a yet another installment of the Beach Saga. This time it would center on Muscle Beach and members of the Bodybuilding Fraternity.* AS FOR THE 'plot', we can only say that it's paper thin and exists to move the action to the next set-up of gags. So, It rapidly goes from huge, sandy dance ensembles, to surfing, bodybuilding and to the obligatory bad guys. Nothing really "Classic", but at least mildly amusing, albeit old and obvious.AS FOR THE handling of the Bodybuilding and its Practicioners, we must launch a formal protest.WHILE THE ATHLETIC Activity known as Competitive Bodybuilding would make a definite move toward the mainstream with PUMPINHG IRON (1977), in 1964 it was still viewed as being a sort of sub-culture phenomenon. It was even less understood than today, with the Bodybuilders' being categorized as narcissistic, homosexual, muscle bound beach athletes.THE HANDLING OF the participation weight men only added to any misconceptions that the public may have had. Moving mutely on command, the impression is that these strength athletes were intellectually the equivalent of a trained seal or that of a robot.NOTE: Paramount Pictures' BACK TO THE BEACH (Paramount, 1987) neatly parodies this "genre" and even stars Annette & Frankie; as well as a slough of Guest Stars.

Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello witness the invasion of their beach - by a troupe of "Muscle Men" being trained by Don Rickles (as Jack Fanny). Buddy Hackett (as S. Z. Matts) wants "Muscle Man" Peter Lupus (using the name Rock Stevens) for his wealthy client Luciana Paluzzi (as Judy), but she gets a hankerin' for Frankie...The soundtrack songs are a highlight, appropriately sounding like Brian Wilson's Beach Boys; moreover, Frankie and Annette are joined by Dick Dale and Stevie Wonder. Morey Amsterdam should have been retained as a series regular. The Eric Von Zipper motorcycle gang is missing. The regular players are still fresh, but the elements are not up to par, relatively speaking. It's a fair "Beach Party" film; obviously, it's not as good as the first. *** Muscle Beach Party (3/25/64) William Asher ~ Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Don Rickles

I taped this hoping to be something to show my high school video classics students. But while watching it, maybe I will call it "What NOT to watch as a classic". I think they made some better ones, than this one, I am just not sure which one those are. Annette was cute. Frankly is hot. It was fun to see some of the stars when they were so much younger. Buddy Hackett and Stevie Wonder, wow that was a while ago. I never did figure out who the girl in the white frilly dress was thou? I laughed at how silly it was at times. I then realized that this was the extent of comedy at that time. So all and all it was OK. I would not put it on my top 100 but it was fun to watch.

Some funny stuff to be sure. Plenty of cleavage for you Annettte F. fans of which I am certainly one. Don Wrickles and Buddy Hacket are their over the top classics. Peter Lorre has a sizable cameo as the Boss, and strongest man in the world and is a lot of fun. But the best thing about this movie by far is the appearance both within the film, in a live performance, and then in the extended for its time end credit of a teenaged Stevie Wonder. And he is incredible. Worth renting this just for those two peeks at what was to become an icon. In the end credit you see him dancing up a storm as well as playing several instruments including drums and bongos opposite the swivel-hipped Candy from the movie. Great Suff.