This short-lived ABC show – a summer replacement for Hondo– aired on Friday nights from 21 July to 1 September 1967.
The host was former Ozzie and Harriet star Ricky Nelson, who appeared as the “Dean of the Drop-Ins” of a fictional beachside college called Malibu U. Aussie singer Robie Porter was a regular as the President of the Student Body.
Short (corny) skits illustrated surfing and sunbathing classes at the college.
Set dressing was provided by the Bob Banas Dancers (billed as the “Malibuties”) and a bevvy of beautiful beach bunnies (including future Buck Rogers star Erin Gray) and their handsome buff buddies.
Much of the filming took place out of season on the California coast in temperatures around 65F, with the bikini-clad girls wrapped in heavy coats and blankets off-camera until they were required to smile and run into the icy water.
Lip-synching guests – introduced as “visiting professors” – included The Turtles, Buffalo Springfield, Marvin Gaye, Peter & Gordon, Chad & Jeremy, The Doors, Lesley Gore, Harpers Bizarre, The Four Seasons, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lou Rawls, The 5th Dimension, Lou Christie, Bobby Rydell, Sandy Posey, Don and the Goodtimes, Leonard Nimoy (performing his novelty song The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins), The Happenings and Dionne Warwick.
