Back To The Beach (1987)

A stressed out car salesman (Frankie Avalon) and his peanut butter obsessed wife (Annette Funicello) decide to drop in on their daughter (Lori Loughlin), who lives on the beach in L.A., on their way from Ohio to Hawaii. Problems arise when they realize she's living with her boyfriend (Tommy Hinkley) in an unmarried state. Directed by Lyndall Hobbs, this delightful musical comedy is an affectionate parody on those popular 1960s BEACH PARTY movies which starred Frankie and Annette. Even if you weren't a fan of those BEACH PARTY movies, you might find this slice of satire hard to resist. In on the joke, Avalon and Funicello seem to be having a great time spoofing their salad days. Sadly, the beginnings of Funicello's multiple sclerosis which would end her career were already evident. The reviews were good but it didn't do well at the box office. Still, the film has developed a cult following and its popularity has increased in the ensuing years. The large cast includes Connie Stevens, Don Adams, Bob Denver, Edd Byrnes, Pee Wee Herman, Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow and Alan Hale Jr.