As temperatures plummet across the United States, and here in Portland we’re preparing for the possibility of our first snowstorm of the year, it seems only fitting that we start thinking about summer again. Here, then, is another one from the archives – South Dakota Slim’s big scene from Beach Blanket Bingo (1965). Timothy’s co-stars here are Linda Evans, Alberta Nelson, Myrna Ross, and a gigantic buzzsaw.
Enjoy and keep warm, bubies!
Our pic today revisits Bikini Beach (1964) and the first of two cinematic appearances by that pool-cue-slinging ruffian, South Dakota Slim. Here he’s having a hard time staying awake while J.D. (Andy Romano), Puss (Alberta Nelson) and Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck) discuss the news of the day and The Teenage Werewolf Monster (Val Warren) enjoys a glass of milk.
Blonde and beautiful Ms. Nelson essayed the role of Puss in several of the beach party movies of the 1960s. In fact, she appeared in just about all of them in one role or another. She was also a semi-regular on The Andy Griffith Show for several years. She retired from acting in 1970, and passed away from throat cancer in 2006 at the age of 68.
The kind folks over at Movieclips.com have added several clips from Timothy’s films to YouTube, so today before the summer’s over, we present one of South Dakota Slim’s defining moments from William Asher‘s Beach Blanket Bingo (1965).
Having very strong second thoughts about their plan to get rid of the annoyingly perky Sugar Kane (Linda Evans) are Rat Pack gals Puss (Alberta Nelson) and Boots (Myrna Ross). Slim, however, is having the time of his life. Enjoy the insanity, bubbies!
It’s the first day of summer, so let’s go to Bikini Beach (1964)! Or, we could just stay in and play pool with South Dakota Slim and his pals The Teenage Werewolf Monster (Val Warren), J.D. (Andy Romano), Puss (Alberta Nelson), and Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck).
Fellow Brooklyn boy Lembeck made Von Zipper an unforgettable presence in pretty much all of the William Asher/Don Weis-directed beach party movies of the 1960s. He paid his dues on the stage and in supporting roles in many military comedies of the 50s before hitting the big time on The Phil Silvers Show. His son Michael is an accomplished film and television actor and director, and his daughter Helaine is the artistic director of the Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop. Harvey passed away of a heart attack in 1982 at the age of 58. His gravestone reads “He Loved – He Laughed – He Lives”.
We learned yesterday of the death of veteran film and television director William Asher at age 90. He directed Timothy in Bikini Beach (1964) and Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), bringing South Dakota Slim to teenage audiences everywhere. Here, in the latter film, Slim is hatching a plot with Boots (Myrna Ross) and Puss (Alberta Nelson) to get rid of the annoyingly perky Sugar Kane (Linda Evans). “Leave it to ol’ Slim. I got ideas, and they’re all vile, baby!”
Classic television just wouldn’t have been the same without Asher’s myriad contributions. Rest well, sir, and thanks.
Starting off the week is another shot from Bikini Beach (1964), featuring Tim’s first appearance as pool-cue-slinging South Dakota Slim. Slim has only one scene here, but he returned the following year with much more screen time in Beach Blanket Bingo (1965).
I chose this shot so we could get a good look at that personalized jacket. Also appearing from left to right: Val Warren, Andy Romano, Alberta Nelson and Harvey Lembeck.
As the Winter Solstice approaches, we cast a lingering glance back at the good old days of Summer. Here is another look at Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), as South Dakota Slim and Eric Von Zipper’s Rat Pack gals Puss (Alberta Nelson) and Boots (Myrna Ross) take their revenge on the supremely and annoyingly perky Sugar Kane (Linda Evans, in her pre-John Derek and Dynasty days).
It’s all just like Slim’s favorite movie, The Perils of Pauliiiiine! “Leave it to ol’ Slim. I got ideas, and they’re all vile, baby!”
The Timothy Carey Experience 