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Comedy Cult Classic

College kids, jealous lifeguards, and a lakeside pavilion heat up one wild Southern California summer.

A SWINGIN' SUMMER

Spread out the beach towels... Grab your gals... It's gonna be a...

1965 · 1h 20m · NR · Comedy / Romance · IMDB TMDB

Two guys and a girl run a week-long concert festival in the sunny summertime of Arrowhead, California and deal with bullies and breakups.

Quick Answer

What is A Swingin' Summer about?

A Swingin' Summer is a 1965 American comedy romance film directed by Robert Sparr about three college friends who try to save a lakeside dance pavilion by throwing a concert festival, only to face sabotage from a jealous lifeguard.

Programmer's Pick

Where else do you get concert promotion, lakeside fistfights, and Raquel Welch in her breakout role? The only thing more chaotic than their summer festival is the tangled web of teen drama — and that's before the bookworm ditches her glasses.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Arrowhead, California, A Swingin' Summer follows three college friends determined to keep their summer jobs by transforming a lakeside dance pavilion into a buzzing concert venue. Their ambitious plan runs into trouble thanks to local lifeguard Turk, who is bent on wrecking their scheme and stealing Rick’s girlfriend Cindy, whose wealthy father secretly finances the project. With hired goons, romantic complications, and nerdy Jeri undergoing a glamorous transformation, the group navigates a whirlwind of sabotage, jealousy, and budding romance. Expect plenty of beach party antics, rock bands, and summer misadventures as friendships and rivalries boil over in this breezy mid-60s romp.

Details & Specs

Director
Robert Sparr
Writers
Reno Carell, Leigh Chapman, Robert Sparr
Release
1965
Runtime
1h 20m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy, Romance

Why This Matters

This beach party comedy marks Raquel Welch's first featured film role and her singing debut, highlighting an early appearance by the future star.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Beach Party Chaos

From bikini-clad dancing to lifeguard rivalry, the film delivers all the sun-soaked shenanigans you’d expect on the shores of Arrowhead.

Concert Festival Hijinks

The trio’s attempt to rescue a pavilion with a week-long music festival brings a parade of rock bands and unpredictable festival moments.

Glasses-Off Transformation

Bookworm Jeri’s classic makeover adds a fresh twist to the summer romance and rivalry, stirring up even more drama.

Mid-60s California Vibes

Bright bikinis, Mustangs, and lakeside parties capture the carefree spirit of 1965 Southern California youth culture.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was A Swingin' Summer released? +

A Swingin' Summer was released in 1965.

Who directed A Swingin' Summer? +

A Swingin' Summer was directed by Robert Sparr.

How long is A Swingin' Summer? +

A Swingin' Summer has a runtime of 80 minutes.

What genre is A Swingin' Summer? +

A Swingin' Summer is a comedy and romance film.

Where can I watch A Swingin' Summer? +

A Swingin' Summer is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips