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Beach Party is a 1963 American movie, directed by William Asher and starring Robert Cummings, Dorothy Malone, Frankie Avalon, and Annette Funicello. One of the first films in the beach party genre, Beach Party is a light-hearted musical comedy that takes advantage of the popularity of surfing and beach culture in the early 1960s. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers who head to the beach for a summer vacation. They bring with them all the latest beach gear and set up camp on the sand, ready to soak up the sun and catch some waves. However, their idyllic getaway is threatened when a stuffy anthropologist arrives on the scene, determined to study the local youth culture.

The anthropologist, Professor Robert Orville Sutwell (played by Robert Cummings), is convinced that the teenagers are part of an ancient, exotic culture that needs to be studied and preserved. He teams up with local lifeguard, Frankie (Frankie Avalon), who introduces him to the rest of the beachgoers, including the alluring Malibu (Dorothy Malone) and the charming Dolores (Annette Funicello).

As the summer unfolds, the teenagers engage in a series of playful and flirtatious hijinks, from beach volleyball to dance contests, all set to a lively soundtrack of surf music. Meanwhile, Sutwell becomes increasingly entangled in the youth culture he came to study, while Frankie and the other beachgoers try to avoid getting caught in his crosshairs.

Despite the potential clash of cultures, Beach Party is ultimately a lighthearted and fun romp that celebrates beach culture in all its glory. The film is notable for its colorful cinematography, catchy soundtrack, and playful dialogue, which captures the playful spirit of the era.

One of the standout features of the film is its energetic cast, led by veteran actor Robert Cummings in a surprisingly comedic role. Cummings brings a gravitas to the role of the anthropologist, but also shows a willingness to let loose and have fun with his younger co-stars.

Frankie Avalon, who was already a seasoned musician and actor by the time Beach Party was made, is equally charming as the local lifeguard. He exudes charisma and effortlessly embodies the carefree spirit of beach culture, making him a perfect foil to the more uptight Professor Sutwell.

The film also features Dorothy Malone as the flirtatious Malibu, whose sultry presence adds a touch of glamour to the proceedings. And of course, there's Annette Funicello, who was already a household name thanks to her work on The Mickey Mouse Club. In Beach Party, Funicello plays the sweet and innocent Dolores, whose budding romance with Frankie provides one of the film's most endearing plotlines.

Overall, Beach Party is a fun and nostalgic trip back to a simpler time, when surf culture was at its peak and the beach was the place to be. The film captures the playful and carefree spirit of the era, and remains a beloved classic of the beach party genre.

Beach Party is a 1963 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.