Introduction and Plot Outline"How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" is a 1965 beach celebration film from American International Pictures. Directed by William Asher, the movie is the sixth entry in the series of 7 beach celebration movies produced by AIP in between 1963 and 1965. The primary cast consists of Annette Funicello, Dwayne Hickman, Brian Donlevy, and Beverly Adams.
The plot revolves primarily around Frankie (Frankie Avalon) who is serving in the Naval Reserve in Tahiti being separated from his girlfriend Dee (Annette Funicello). Feeling threatened by the potential roaming eyes of the men back on the Californian beach, Frank turn to an immersive method of guaranteeing his girlfriend's fidelity - he uses an eccentric witch doctor called Bwana (Buster Keaton), to keep tabs on Dee Dee. With Bwana's wonderful "wicked eye", Frankie can see whatever Dee is up to, providing him some comfort.
Characters and DevelopmentsBack home, Dee begins getting courted by a new guy on the beach, Ricky (Dwayne Hickman), who is really a Madison Avenue marketing executive in camouflage. He utilizes a number of techniques to attempt and get her to take part in a motorcycle business's advertising campaign in addition to the sinuous and appealing Cassandra (Beverly Adams).
Meanwhile, a bike gang called the Rat Pack led by Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck) is hiding around. A subplot includes Bonehead (Jody McCrea), a member of the beach gang, falling for an authentic mermaid named Lorelei (Marta Kristen).
Towards completion of the movie, Bonehead and Lorelei choose to go their different ways, her going back to sea, him remaining on land. For Bonehead, nevertheless, Lorelei's love turns out to be a transformative experience.
The ClimaxIn a surprise twist, Bwana summons a pelican bring a bikinied woman known as The Wild Bikini (Elizabeth Montgomery). She is, perhaps, the most effective character in the film, despite the fact that she winds up being simply a plot device. Her magical spell on Eric Von Zipper and his gang brings turmoil and supplies the climactic push needed for all the various storylines to be fixed.
Conclusion"How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" is a signature '60s beach film that integrates elements of teen love, slapstick, popular song, and a touch of fantasy. While not as well-known as a few of the earlier films in the series, it remains a fun piece of campy fond memories with its ridiculous humor, light-hearted romance, and the swingin' soundtrack of the period. Despite its outdated humor and out-of-date gender dynamics, its blend of sorcery, satire, and sand holds a certain campy charm. The full-throated innocence of these films is indisputable and, in their own method, they still handle to forecast a sort of goofy, charming charm making this a staple example of mid-60s beach cinema.
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