MovieChat Forums > Pajama Party (1964) Discussion > 45 years later

45 years later

posted 15 years ago by jjaanneet
6 replies | jump to latest

I was 14 when this movie came out. I lived in LA, and even then, we thought these movies were a joke. No one behaved this way, but we all watched the Beach Party movies. What else was there for teens? We were represented as not interested in anything but music, clothes, dancing and the beach. Now while that is a nice thought, we were alittle more aware. This is a movie. A corney, silly, escape vehicle.

I watched it last night with my 23 year old daughter, and laughed out loud (to coin a phrase). She could not believe how the character played by Buster Keaton was portraited. She didn't realize that Native Americans had really been shown that way. She thought it was offensive, but funny. We didn't think anything of it at the time.

Times and things have changed. The kissing was clean, there were no hints of sexual misconduct, and kids never used "dirty" language. Well I guess just movies have changed, because we laughed not only at the fun, but at the thought that we were perceived in this light.

Just a thought, was Frankie Avalon suppossed to be a Martian in all the Beach Party movies? It would explain a lot.

[–] Hoohawnaynay 14 years ago

I agree this stuff was innocent fun. I spoke with William Asher years ago and complemented him on making these films. Yes they were silly. But I'd rather watch this and day to the harsh reality of drug use, foul language and gratuitous nudity. These movies at least made you feel good which is more than I say for much of today's films.

[–] electrictroy 14 years ago

You're 60 with a 23 year old daughter? Wow you waited a long time to have kids (mid-30s).

Also I don't think movie is any worse than the High School Musicals, or the numerous silly shows on Disney Channel, which teens gobble up. :-)

[–] Bilwick1 13 years ago

I think they could have been improved with some nudity. (And no, I don't mean a naked Eric Von Zipper.)

[–] tdoa 13 years ago

I found the portrayal of Native Americans cringingly offensive, seen through contemporary eyes. Although as a 15 year old I might have laughed about Buster Keaton's embarrassing portrayal and some of the very offensive jokes directed against him, now I am only embarrassed. It's a good thing that our society has become more educated about things like this.

[–] DwightGuy 10 years ago

People have become way too sensitive since that time. Misrepresentations and exaggerations of character are the source of most comedy. I guarantee you not one Indian objected at the time of this movie.

[–] lousvr 9 years ago

Is this the the youth of today.. lowest trash or those API movies.. blah blah blah blah. & blah...
According to mamamamum's law all the 'stupids' thoughts are just blowing up int the sky somewhere near kalamazoo. And written history will have forgotten all the useless blah blah blah blah.. get it...