Compliments of American International Pictures....

Released theatrically on April 14, 1965, Beach Blanket Bingo turned 50 years old one month ago today!

If you wrote Annette through American International Pictures during the release of this film, you likely would have received a manilla envelope in reply, containing the fan card and biography page pictured below.

Annette fan cards like this one can be found from time-to-time on the second-hand market; however, locating one complete with the original biography page and studio envelope is a much greater challenge.

The fan card features a beautiful Muscle Beach Party era head shot of Annette and identifies her as the star of American International Pictures latest film: Beach Blanket Bingo.

-CLICK TO ENLARGE-

The Annette Funicello biography page enclosed with the fan card includes fun facts like: "Annette's volume of fan mail is only exceeded by that received by another former child star, Elizabeth Taylor" and "that on public appearance tours, both in Europe and America, she has attracted upwards of 5,000 fans to autograph parties and her LP albums of the beach film songs are best sellers".

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Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends

It's simply not often enough that I have the opportunity to alert our readers of a brand new Annette related product, but finally, the long dry spell between such releases has come to an end with the book, Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends . Rita Rose, former president of Annette's international fan club, has compiled the personal memories and reflections of over forty individuals who are related to, have met, worked with or befriended this most likable star. While Annette is famously remembered for being the same person in her daily life as she appears on screen, this book takes you deeper and reveals some of the lesser known dimensions of her character and personality. Find out what it was like to encounter Annette as a fan, to be a guest in her home, to collaborate with her in the recording studio and attend to her on-set or on one of her early promotional tours in the '60s. Some share how they first learned and reacted to the news of Annette...

NEWS: Bikini Beach and Pajama Party Debut on Blu Ray

Just in time for Christmas, MGM is releasing two of Annette's classic AIP films on Blu ray - a wonderful gift to fans this Holiday season! BIKINI BEACH (1964) and PAJAMA PARTY (1964) are both currently available to order at major retailers online and are scheduled to ship by December 5th. Those familiar with the MUSCLE BEACH PARTY, BEACH BLANKET BINGO and HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI Blu Rays can attest to the beautifully enhanced image and sound quality revealed in those releases. It is assumed we can expect the same level of improvement over the old DVD's for these latest titles as well!

A CLOSER LOOK: Bob Hope's Thanksgiving Special Promotional 33 1/3 rpm

Beginning in 1950, the legendary comedian and Hollywood personality, Bob Hope began making television specials for NBC. For these shows, Hope was joined by a variety of celebrity guests and other talent who performed and participated in skits consistent with the incredibly popular variety show format of the time. Hope's specials were considered must-watch television and were a popular draw through the mid- '80s. Annette Funicello's fans across the country felt especially blessed the Thanksgiving season of 1964 when it was announced that she would be appearing on Hope's upcoming holiday special. Annette made the appearance to promote her latest picture, Pajama Party (released November 11, 1964) and her Annette at Bikini Beach record album - which she performed two songs from on the show. I've always found vintage promotional ephemera to be especially interesting... seeing how the creatives of entertainment chose to promote their latest offering t...

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