''A Swingin' Summer'' is a 1965

comedy film The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with dark comedy being an exception to this rule. Comedy is one of the o ...

in the beach party genre. It was directed and co-written by Robert Sparr.

Raquel Welch Jo Raquel Welch (; September 5, 1940 – February 15, 2023) was an American actress. Welch first gained attention for her role in ''Fantastic Voyage'' (1966), after which she signed a long-term contract with 20th Century Fox. They lent her con ...

stars in her first featured film role and makes her singing debut in the film.

Plot

A trio of college kids – all friends of each other – attempt to ensure summer jobs for themselves by becoming concert promoters at a lakeside dance pavilion that is in danger of closing. A local lifeguard, Turk, jealous of both Rick and Mickey, tries to ruin their plan and at the same time tries to steal Rick’s girl, Cindy – who has secretly arranged for her rich dad to finance the pavilion. Rick flips when he finds out about Cindy’s dad, and Turk tries to sabotage the dance hall with some hired goons – who, after failing, bully Turk into ripping the place off. In the meantime, bookworm Jeri, takes off her glasses, lets down her hair and causes some new problems. In spite of all the drama, the kids actually succeed in securing an impressive roster of brand-name talent to the pavilion.

Cast

Principal cast

Supporting cast

The film features special appearances by Allan Jones as Mr. Johnson,

Gary Lewis & the Playboys Gary Lewis & the Playboys were a 1960s Pop music, pop and Rock music, rock group, fronted by musician Gary Lewis (musician), Gary Lewis, the son of comedian Jerry Lewis. They are best known for their 1965 Billboard Hot 100, ''Billboard'' Hot 1 ...

, The Rip Chords,

Donnie Brooks Donnie Brooks (born John Dee Abohosh; February 6, 1936 – February 23, 2007) was an American pop music singer. Brooks is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Early life Born in Dallas, Texas, Abohosh moved to Ventura, California in his ...

and

The Righteous Brothers The Righteous Brothers are an American musical duo originally formed by Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield but now comprising Medley and Bucky Heard. Medley formed the group with Hatfield in 1963. They had first performed together in 1962 in the L ...

. Others include Gypsy Boots, Lili Kardell as Sandra, Robert Blair as Tony, Buck Holland as Lou, and Lori Williams as one of the Swingin' Summer Girls.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack featured songs performed by

, The Rip Chords, Jody Miller, Gary & the Playboys,

and Carol Connors. The soundtrack album was issued on Hanna Barbera Records.

Production notes

Although she received sixth billing in the U.S. release, Welch received top billing – with her name above the title – on posters for the Italian release, which was renamed ''The Warm Night.'' The film was shot on location at

Lake Arrowhead, California Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, and surrounding the eponymous Lake Arrowhe ...

in the summer of 1964 and released in the summer of 1965. ''Filmink'' called it "a lake party" movie. The bearded man who is seen from behind and mistaken for a woman in a one-piece topless bathing suit is Gypsy Boots (real name: Robert Bootzin), the American fitness pioneer who is credited with laying the foundation for the acceptance by mainstream America of "alternative" lifestyles such as

yoga Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...

and

health food A healthy diet is a diet that maintains or improves overall health. A healthy diet provides the body with essential nutrition: fluid, macronutrients such as protein, micronutrients such as vitamins, and adequate fibre and food energy. A hea ...

. Taglines for the film read: ''They're Lovin', Laughin' and Livin' it up and for kicks playing "Chicken on Water Skis!"'' and ''Spread Out the Beach Towels...Grab Your Gals...it's gonna be A Swingin' Summer!'' The film was the first release of

Dale Robertson Dayle Lymoine Robertson (July 14, 1923 – February 27, 2013) was an American actor best known for his starring roles on television. He played the roving investigator Jim Hardie in the television series ''Tales of Wells Fargo'' and railroad own ...

's film releasing company United Screen Arts.

Linda Evans Linda Evans (born Linda Evenstad; November 18, 1942) is a retired American actress known primarily for her roles on television. In the 1960s, she played Audra Barkley, the daughter of Victoria Barkley (played by Barbara Stanwyck), in the Wes ...

was originally cast in the role of Cindy.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Swingin' Summer, A 1965 films 1960s teen comedy films Beach party films 1960s English-language films Films directed by Robert Sparr Films shot in California American teen comedy films 1965 comedy films 1965 directorial debut films 1960s American films