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Friday, August 3, 2012

A Sixties Sorta Summer: SHAG (1989)



 SHAG  follows the fun and fancy free frolic of four girlfriends during the summer of 1963.
Luanne (Paige Hannah), "Pudge" (Annabeth Gish), and Melaina (Brigette Fonda) whisk their friend Carson (Phoebe Cates) off to Myrtle Beach for one last irresponsible-girls-only fling before she gets married to safe (and boring) Harley (Tyrone Power Jr.). When they hit the beach, they enter into a world of boys and plenty of shag dancin'.They meet Chip (Scott Coffey) and Buzz (Robert Rusler) who join the girls in their Summer adventure of beauty contests, wild parties, and...romance. Melaina chases singing star Jimmy Valentine, Pudge and Chip shag the night away, and Buzz and Carson can't leave each other alone. Things get even more twisted when Harley shows up looking for his fiance (and falls for Luanne) along with Luanne's parents...who think they're in Ft.Sumter on a historical tour! These memories of mischief will make for a summer that these four friends won't forget.


Although not considered a "classic" by many, SHAG is a summer movie staple of mine. This film,along with Dirty Dancing(1987) and Mermaids(1990),was one that I loved watching with my Mom. To me, it's a perfect "Girl's Night In" flick full of good times and Summer romance. One unique aspect of this film (that is often overlooked in 60's pop culture/reproduction films) is the showcasing of the "Carolina Beach" music/dance aka "Shag/Shagging";which is still popular today! SHAG also features classic '60's tunes such as "The Harlem Shuffle", "Monkey Time", and "What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am". I hope that you take the time to kick back and (cinematically) hit the beach with the girls with SHAG.
Roll Film,
Neah B


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