"CATCH A WAVE: HOLLYWOOD'S BEACH MOVIE CRAZE" (148)

"CATCH A WAVE: HOLLYWOOD'S BEACH MOVIE CRAZE" (148)

From From Beneath the Hollywood Sign by Steve Cubine & Nan McNamara

July 13, 2026 · 50 min · Season 3 · Episode 148

About this episode

This episode explores the beach movie craze of the late 1950s and 1960s, highlighting iconic films and stars of the genre.

EPISODE 148 -  “CATCH A WAVE: HOLLYWOOD’S BEACH MOVIE CRAZE” - 7/13/2026  This week on  From Beneath The Hollywood Sign, we dive into the sun-soaked beach movie craze that swept America in the late 1950s and 1960s. From the wholesome charm of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello to the cultural phenomenon of Gidget and the romantic drama of A Summer Place, we're exploring the films that made surf, sand, sunshine, slapstick comedy, and catchy music the ultimate recipe for fun. Along the way, we'll revisit the stars, the songs, and the stories behind the genre, highlighting the movies that captured the carefree spirit of an unforgettable era. Grab your sunscreen, wax up your surfboard, and join us for a nostalgic trip back to Hollywood's beach party heyday! SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics (2021), by John Malahy; TCM.com; wikipedia.com; IMDBPro.com; Movies Mentioned: Gidget (1959), starring Sandra Dee, James Darren, Cliff Robertson, Arthur O’Connell, & Mary LaRoche; Where The Boys Are (1960); starring Delores Hart, Paula Prentiss, Yvette Mimieux, Connie Francis, George Hamilton, Jim Hutton, Frank Gorshin, Chill Wills, & Barbara…

People in this episode

Hosts: Steve Cubine, Nan McNamara

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TCM.com, wikipedia.com, IMDBPro.com

Books & works: Gidget, Where The Boys Are, A Summer Place, Beach Blanket Bingo, Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics

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