Gogo (Tommy Kirk), a Martian teenager, is sent to Earth to prepare the way for an invasion. The first Earthling he meets, one Aunt Wendy, is a rich widow who runs a dress shop catering to teenagers...We have some great stars here: Buster Keaton as an Indian, complete with jokes about scalps and such. Don Rickles as a Martian. And then, you know... Annette Funicello.This film is like the very definition of campy -- girls dancing in such a way to make flowers die and Dr Pepper bottles pop open. Regarding dancing in the 1960s, apparently it required no skills whatsoever -- just shake a lot and you are good to go.In his autobiography, Sam Arkoff says that none of AIP's beach movies lost money. I love his way with words. Other producers would either say they made a fortune, or the returns were disappointing. Arkoff is just happy if he makes money -- it might be ten dollars and he considers it a success. How well this film did is not known, but I guess it did not fail by Arkoff standards.

I LOVE this film, particularly the scene at the dress store, with Dorothy Lamour.Yes, the 2nd model out, IS the one and only Terri Garr. The last dancer out - the one doing the INCREDIBLE 'Swim,' is Ms. Toni Basil.These two women have a combined history (which might've started here. Does anyone know?), as, it was shortly after this film, that Terri became a dancer on the late, great ShInDiG!, with Toni as both a dancer and choreographer.I saw some reviews here which were practically out for blood in their negativity, their dislike of this film. The one that stuck in my craw, was the person who said they were in high school (in LA) at the time, and this film was so bad, they couldn't sit through it - 'FIVE(?!?!) times.'O - kaaaaay.While it's true, it's not the best, it does have things going for it, starting with Tommy Kirk, who I've always liked. I can only imagine how he felt, to basically be given the 'beach movie mantle' - ALONE. That had to be a little unnerving tonhave that weight put on you. But, he did have the help of Annette, and a truly fun cast, with everyone from Buster Keaton, through to Dorothy ('poor me, pour me another drink') Kilgallen (huh?).Yes, it's stupid, but, it's fun. It's not supposed to be anything other than lightweight fluff, and, it does it's job admirably.Every time this film comes on, I'm front-and-centre, waiting up for that terrific dance at the dress store.And, again, to the person who hates this - but, keeps seeing it: you keep saying you leave after only the 1st few minutes. There are very few films that are great after only a few minutes.Next time you 'force' yourself to (try and) watch PAJAMA PARTY...just try to at least see Dorothy, Terri, and Toni? You might end up with a smile.

As Annette Funicello (as Connie) and the "Beach Party" gang strip into their bathing suits for a pool party, outer-worldly Tommy Kirk (as Go Go) dons a movie usher's uniform; then, he is transported to Earth. Mr. Kirk's mission is to prepare Earth for an invasion of Martians. He is sent to dresser Elsa Lanchester (as Aunt Wendy)'s home. Ms. Lanchester thinks young Kirk belongs on the beach. She renames him "George", and sends him out, in tight blue trunks, to have fun in the sun. On the beach, Kirk meets Ms. Funicello, and romance ensues… Not the best of the run, as it's missing some essentials; but, American International's "Pajama Party" is probably the series' sexiest entry. The cast is more often featured in swimwear than bedclothes, you should note. And, with the exception of Funicello, the cast is in their hottest beach attire. The exceptional Funicello shows off her assets in pink nightwear, during her "Stuffed Animal" song performance; and, she gets a dance number, too.Probably due to scheduling conflicts, it appears Frankie Avalon's role was moved over to Jody McCrea; and, Mr. Avalon appears in dubbed voice-over and cameo only. At one point, it's suggested that Kirk is borrowing Funicello boyfriend McCrea's clothes, which would have been believable with Avalon, but not the much larger McCrea. Other regulars get more to do, too, like Buster Keaton, Donna Loren, and Mike Nader. The cameos are way cool; like "My name is Dorothy" Kilgallen as a fun motorcycle mama.While the Frankie/Annette dynamic is missing; Kirk is a worthy substitute, and his meeting Funicello on the beach is a delight. Watch as Kirk explains how well-versed he is on Earth, mentioning, "George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mickey Mantle, Frankie Avalon…" and, he tells Funicello, "You have a well-rounded…" By the film's end, his unfinished phrase can be filled in. **** Pajama Party (1964) Don Weis ~ Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello, Buster Keaton

I have read the reviews of Pajama Party and have looked for the cameo appearance of Dorothy Kilgallen which I don't think was credited. If someone can describe where in the film she appears you can help me solve a who dun-it and I will be everlastingly grateful. I am not a movie critic and am using your space here to try and establish any actors who had knowledge of her activities during this period (1964) and who have any knowledge of Kerry Kallmor who also was in this flick. It seems to me that you are looking for plus or minus comments about the film from the acting viewpoint and I cannot advise here. What I would like to point out is that this film is of possible vital significance to the JFK assassination research. Your 10 line mandate has required me to be needlessly verbose but if I get an answer from someone it is worth it. John Locke [email protected]