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Comedy Cult Classic

Three Arizona girls bring romance, surfboards, and drama to the Malibu beach scene.

SURF PARTY

It's what happens when boys take to the sea ... and the girls take to the boys!!

1964 · 1h 8m · NR · Comedy / Musical · IMDB TMDB

A young girl travels to California with a couple of friends in order to visit her brother, whom she hasn't seen for some time. After they arrive it doesn't take long for them to get into the swing of things and also to attract the attention of the local police sergeant, who is strictly anti-surfing. Pretty soon there is a falling out between the local surfers and it becomes clear that her brothers reputation is far greater than reality and his lifestyle is not all it appears to be.

Quick Answer

What is Surf Party about?

Surf Party is a 1964 American comedy-musical directed by Maury Dexter about three Arizonan girls who head to Malibu, get swept into surf culture, and stir up romance and local rivalries.

Programmer's Pick

Where else will you find a musical beach romp featuring scheming surfers, suspicious police, and a dude named Skeet living in an older woman's beach house? Surf Party is a frothy mix of surfboards, heartbreak, and early ‘60s pop, all in just over an hour.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Surf Party launches three adventurous young women from Arizona straight into the sun-soaked chaos of Malibu's beach scene. With Terry searching for her infamous brother Skeet, the trio dives headfirst into surf lessons, sand, and the social dynamics at Casey's Surfer, the local hotspot for wave-riders and hangers-on. Navigating budding romances and the wary eye of an anti-surf police sergeant, the girls quickly discover that Malibu's surf culture is equal parts fun and reputation. As personal ambitions and the local hierarchy collide, friendships and feelings are tested, all set to a backdrop of surf music and sun-bleached hair.

Details & Specs

Director
Maury Dexter
Writer
Harry Spalding
Release
1964
Runtime
1h 8m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy, Musical

Why This Matters

As the first direct imitation of AIP's Beach Party and one of the few black-and-white entries in the genre, this film reflects the rapid proliferation and stylistic diversity of 1960s beach party movies. Its rarity and delayed home video release further mark its unique distribution history.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Malibu Beach Culture

Experience the golden age of California surf with a fizzing blend of local rivalries, pier hangouts, and wave-chasing ambition.

Songs and Musical Numbers

It's not just about the surf—expect toe-tapping tunes and performances woven into the story.

Teensploitation Antics

This film packs in beach parties, love triangles, and a side of coming-of-age drama fit for the 1960s teensploitation wave.

Surfing Rituals and Risks

Witness the rites of surf club membership and local pecking orders that rule Malibu’s beach bums.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Surf Party released? +

Surf Party was released in 1964.

Who directed Surf Party? +

Surf Party was directed by Maury Dexter.

How long is Surf Party? +

Surf Party has a runtime of 68 minutes.

What genre is Surf Party? +

Surf Party is a comedy-musical.

Where can I watch Surf Party? +

Surf Party is streaming on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips