The surfing craze of the sixties not only made The Beach Boys a household name, but it also inspired a long franchise of Beach Party films, most of which starred the adorable clean-cut couple of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. A total of seven of these films was produced between the mere three-year span of 1963-67, and if you ask most fans what their favorite is, they are likely to say Beach Blanket Bingo. With a rousing soundtrack and a trio of hilarious cameo appearances by Don Rickles, Paul Lynde and silent-film legend Buster Keaton, Beach Blanket Bingo followed the familiar formula of interweaving teen romance with zany comedy to create an unforgettable and fondly remembered film.

The good natured and well-intentioned Frankie has a lot on his plate. Not only did he come to the rescue of singer Sugar Kane, but he is taking up skydiving on the advice of Bonnie, a girl who is secretly plotting to make her boyfriend jealous. Frankie on the other hand is just trying to impress his romantic interest, Dee Dee (Funicello,) although he also unwittingly attracts the attention of a lovely mermaid named Lorelei in the process. Meanwhile, biker Eric Von Zipper has arrived on the scene with his band of motorcycle riding thugs, and proceeds to kidnap the woman he has fallen madly for, Sugar Kane. Frankie is going to have to keep Dee Dee’s attention and rescue Sugar Kane if hopes to have a happy ending.

Released in 1965 and directed by I love Lucy alumni William Asher, this was the last Beach Party film that Frankie Avalon would have a starring role in, although two more would follow – How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (where he had a minor role) and The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (in which he did not appear.)

Beach Blanket Bingo remains a favorite film among millions who likely never caught their own wave, owned a surfboard, or lived near a beach for that matter. They could dream, however, and live this idyllic existence by proxy, through the eyes of two of the most beloved beach bums to ever hit the big screen.