This is American International’s followup to Beach Party, its click of a year earlier. The novelty of surfing has worn off, leaving in its wake little more than a conventional teenage-geared romantic farce with songs.
The clash of three factions at a beach site sets off the romantic, comedic and musical fireworks. At one end is a group of youthful surfers. At another is a band of Atlasian musclemen. Catalyst is a wealthy, fickle contessa. Whenever the story bogs down, which it does quite often, someone runs into camera range and yells ‘surf up!’
Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello top the cast and do most of the singing. The film introduces Little Stevie Wonder, a lad who can really wail. Peter Lorre puts in an unbilled appearance.
