Watch A Swingin' Summer

A Swingin' Summer is a light-hearted musical comedy directed by Robert Sparr in 1965. The film is set in a serene beach town where a group of young adults from different backgrounds come together for a summer of fun, romance, and music. The movie is a reflection of the swinging sixties era, when the youth culture was at its peak, and the music and fashion were a direct reflection of the changing times.

The plot revolves around the protagonist, Angie (played by Quinn O'Hara), who runs a beach club where she hires a bunch of amateur musicians to perform for the tourists. She is resourceful, confident and determined to make it big in the world of music. Angie's brother, "Young Johnnie" (played by the late James Stacy), is the leader of the band and is shown as a passionate and committed musician who goes to great lengths to make his music appealing to the masses.

One of the central conflicts of the movie is the rivalry between Johnnie and his bandmate, Steve (played by William Wellman Jr.), who frequently clash over creative differences. Steve is a suave and confident guitarist who wants to experiment with different styles of music, while Johnnie is more traditional in his approach and wants his band to play popular rock and roll songs.

The film features several musical performances, and the music plays a vital role in the development of the plot. The songs are catchy and toe-tapping, which is typical of the pop music of the 1960s. The dance routines are choreographed imaginatively, and the camera angles are used to accentuate the performers' movements.

Apart from the music, the film also delves into the relationships between the characters. Johnnie falls in love with a beautiful singer named Cindy (played by Raquel Welch), who is flirtatious and has a wandering eye. Steve falls for Angie, who is initially oblivious to his advances but eventually realizes her true feelings for him. The tensions between the couples and their respective jealousies provide ample scope for the comic moments in the film.

The themes explored in A Swingin' Summer are quintessentially 60s in nature, dealing with teenage angst, rebellion against authority, and the struggle to discover one's identity. The movie offers a light-hearted and easy-going portrayal of these themes and never takes them too seriously, which makes it a perfect summer movie. The bright colors, the sunny beaches, and the catchy songs would put anyone in the mood for a carefree summer.

The performances by the actors are noteworthy, with O'Hara, Stacy, and Wellman Jr. showcasing their musical and acting talents convincingly. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the comic timing of the actors is spot-on. Raquel Welch, who went on to become a Hollywood icon, has a small but memorable role in the movie, and her charisma is apparent even in her early days.

In conclusion, A Swingin' Summer is a fun and entertaining movie that captures the spirit of the 1960s. It's a testament to the musical talent and youthful exuberance of the time and provides an enjoyable peek into a bygone era. The movie may be dated in its style and presentation, but it remains a classic example of the musical comedies of the 60s.

A Swingin' Summer is a 1965 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.