The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini

More silly 60's “beach” amusement from AIP, this time in a spooky mansion

A recently dead wealthy man (Boris Karloff) is visited in his crypt by a ghost girlfriend from decades prior (Susan Hart). To have his youth restored (as a ghost), he has to perform a good deed and so tries to ensure that someone worthy gets his inheritance hidden somewhere in his creepy manor.

“The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini” (1966) is the tenth beach party film by American International Pictures that released a whopping twelve such movies in less than four years from 1963-1967. I've only seen two others, "Beach Blanket Bingo" (1965) and "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine" (1965), the latter featuring Vincent Price.

Like “Beach Blanket Bingo,” this one is entertaining enough if you're in the mood for some innocuous 60's fun that's silly with a capital 'S.' The big difference, of course, is the switch of the setting from the beaches of Malibu to a spooky manor. There are still ‘beach’ sequences, however, as far as the mansion’s huge pool goes.

This was the only film in the series to not feature either Frankie Avalon or Annette Funicello. But there are some familiar faces from previous beach flicks, like Deborah Walley and Harvey Lembeck (Eric Von Zipper) & his Rats motorcycle gang. Voluptuous blonde Bobbie Shaw Chance returns for her sixth and final appearance in the series (always a different character).

While Bobbie is easily the most beautiful female in the cast, redhead Quinn O'Hara as Sinistra ain’t no slouch. Yet Susan Hart is the most notable lass as the ghost due to her entertaining performance, such as her amusing expressions. I shouldn’t fail to mention Nancy Sinatra, who sings a couple songs.

This one’s cut from the same goofy 60’s cloth as “Village of the Giants” (1965), which also featured Tommy Kirk, although “Village” has more highlights, such as a superior score and female cast, not to mention more imaginative dance sequences.

For the real deal in SoCal beach flicks, check out the original "Gidget," released in 1959 (I'm not talking about the two sequels or the TV series with Sally Field). "Gidget" is worthy of its iconic status as the first beach flick with surprising mindfood and no goofiness. No kidding.

The film runs 1 hour, 22 minutes, and was shot in Pasadena, California.

GRADE: B-/C+