Ride the Wild Surf
Maker
Columbia Pictures Corporation
(American, founded 1924)
Maker
National Screen Service
(American, 1920 - 2000)
Date1964
Object number00008580
NameLobby card
MediumColour lithographic print on paper.
DimensionsOverall: 1038 x 761 mm, 5.9 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis original lobby card was printed in the United States to promote 'Ride the Wild Surf', released in 1964 by Columbia Pictures Corporation. Starring Fabian, Shelley Fabares, Tab Hunter, and Barbara Eden, 'Ride the Wild Surf' was one of several mainstream films that capitalised on surfing's growing popularity in the mid-1960s. As with many lobby cards, which were displayed in theatre lobbies, a still from the film is the main feature of the design.HistoryDuring the 1950s and 1960s Hollywood developed the beach movie as a genre. Aimed at a teen market, plots usually centered on surfing contests or the adventures of teenage gangs that lived around beach. 'Ride the Wild Surf' was filmed on location at California's Waimea Bay, and some of the state's best known surfers appeared as stunt doubles. Australian Olympic swimming champion Murray Rose made his acting debut playing the role of Swag Rieley. The title song was sung by Jan and Dean, and a spin-off album helped further promote the movie and establish the surf music sound.SignificanceThe lobby card is representative of cinema advertising from the 1950s and 1960s.