Ride the Wild Surf

Ride The Wild Surf once again proves my notion that it is impossible to make a bad film in and about Hawaii the place is that beautiful. The story is not Academy Award stuff, but it's an easy to take story of three surfers who come to Hawaii to challenge what the film says are the best and most dangerous waves in the world.

The three guys are Fabian, Tab Hunter, and Peter Brown and in addition to waves the guys also find love on the island. Fabian is a young hotshot who rubs the rest the wrong way and they love seeing him wipe out in the first tests. His attitude also is a big impediment with a romance between him and Shelley Fabares.

Tab Hunter falls in love with Hawaii and Susan Hart and just wants to stay. But Sue's mom has a grudge against surfer bums, she married one who up and left her. She's not about to let that happen to her little girl.

And kookie Barbara Eden thinks that Peter Brown is a big old square and a poser. That's not going to get him anywhere and to prove her wrong he does some dangerous and foolhardy things. All these guys are looking to knock off champion surfer Jim Mitchum.

Also in the cast is Australian Olympic swimmer Murray Rose who would probably say that the waves on Bondi in his native country are more dangerous than anything Hawaii has to offer.

The title song sung by Jan & Dean will stick with you for some time after you watch Ride The Wild Surf. I think if you like beautiful people in bathing suits you'll enjoy this film.

These guys really need to learn to paddle their boards correctly. They really look lame "out there" when they are paddling into the lineup. Occasionally, you will see the real surfers in the stock footage who are knee paddling their Wiamea guns unlike the actors who look more like midwestern tourists learning to surf at Waikiki. Tab Hunter is, as always, awesome in a romantic lead role; he's just so natural with the opposite sex. Why didn't her mother just come out and say it: I don't want you having a gay boyfriend; it will cause you nothing but grief! The camp value of Tab Hunter resucitates this rag doll of a film after a trip over the falls at Wiamea. There is also stock footage of real surfers like Greg Noll (Eskimo's double) and Mickey Dora (Jody Wallis' double). Believe me, they didn't handle themselves like the actors did when out in 25 foot plus Wiamea.

Shoot the curl, man! Three hotshot surfers from Malibu hang-ten down in Honolulu; all find the usual quota of romance, teen competition, and gnarly waves. Director Don Taylor does competent work (as usual) and he gives the surf-sand-&-suntans material a little kick. Unfortunately, all the back-projection gives the film a cheesy, dopey look, which is incongruous to the seriousness with which it takes the sport of surfing. The youthful, beaming cast (most in their prime) are certainly a great drawing card, and Fabian, Tab Hunter, a blonde Shelley Fabares, Barbara Eden, Susan Hart, and surly Jim Mitchum all look terrific. An instant hit at drive-ins circa 1964, the movie features gorgeous location footage, but also a corny, unnecessary voice-over narration and far too much moony-eyed boy-girl drama. ** from ****

Surfing's answer to Red Line 7000. Fabian looks to outlast his buddies at the annual Waimea Bay surfing blowout on the North Shore of Oahu. A great period piece filmed at the same time as the Beach Blanket movies, but with less comedy and romance and more emphasis on competition. As already noted by reviewers, lots of great surfing shots mixed with laughable (almost campy) shots of the stars in lifeless waters. Still, stars take it seriously. Loads of fun if you like this sort of thing.

The surf scenes are typical of the era. Back lot close-ups cut to real action scenes. Check out Greg Noll in the surfing cut scenes. He's in his signature black and white stripped shorts. I can't positively id red & yellow shorts; maybe Pat Curren, but that's speculation.

Only other thing I can't figure out about this movie is why does Jeanie (sorry, couldn't resist) think it's a good reason to purchase a rocket taller than her. That can't be a good idea. But, I guess she's wearing the proper protective bee-keeper suit. From same scene: "No one's allowed on the firing line with out an extinguisher (Hands them a cocktail)"