Released March 25,
1964
Available on video? yes, currently
being commercially distributed by MGM to home video market as part
of their "Midnite Movie"
series. Avaliable in VHS (out of production but
some inventory is still out there), or in DVD format as a "double
feature" (combined with the clone "Ski
Party") .
Synopsis: the
surfers face challenges when a bunch of bodybuilders and
their promoter "invade" the beach. Annette and Frankie's
relationship is also disrupted by the arrival of a fickle
Italian heiress who goes after Frankie.
The
theme evolves, but the music doesn’t
Before we get into
this film, I must admit this is my personal least favorite movie of
the series. For a long
time I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why, until I read a comment
on the film by a reviewer on the Internet Movie Database. His point -- “the
movie Yes, Walt, she's not so "little"
anymore: rare photo
of has a negative feel,
everyone in it seems angry at someone else” –
Annette with a cigarette,
taken during a break in filming finally helped
me determine what it is that really bugs
me about
of early scenes
in Muscle Beach
Party
Muscle Beach Party: the
storyline is perhaps the
most
uncomfortable and least engaging of any of
these films. And adding injury to that insult, this is
the only Beach Party movie
where the humorous relief of
Eric Von Zipper and his gang are sorely missing (they
for whatever reason were left out of the
script).
All that affects
the musical approach here.
Les Baxter is presented with a challenge, as a limited,
comparatively dull storyline focuses on a greedy promoter,
stupid, comparatively uninteresting musclemen/bodybuilders, a
selfish “euro-trash” millionaire and the nastiest, most
argumentative Dee Dee/Frankie relationship of the entire
series. When Buddy Hackett becomes the most
sympathetic character in an entire film, you know you’re in
trouble. 
Presumably, all that
unattractiveness could have produced an opportunity for a lot of
interesting comedic musical numbers, but Baxter takes a different
approach: sensitive romantic ballads, lots of club dance
numbers and a solo piece by a new guest star musician, most of which
are unfortunately weak. In scoring the film, he does his best
to link these things together, but the result is still somewhat the
uncohesive mish-mosh, one not nearly as satisfying as the
predecessor.
It isn’t a complete loss, however. Dick Dale – in his last
appearance in the series – gets a few decent numbers, and late in
the show we are briefly introduced to a new musical character, Donna
Loren, who will subsequently go on to become one the better elements
of the Beach Party musical legacy. Frankie Avalon gets to do a
solo ballad, which plays to his strengths much more than the upbeat
dance piece he did in the prior film. Candy Johnson and her
wiggling move up to become a featured sideshow, and we’re also
treated to the film debut of a 13 year old named Stevie
Wonder, evidence that AIP was more than
willing to roll the dice on interesting but then comparatively
unknown artists.
The Score of Muscle Beach
Party | 
