News
Oh, Kahuna, What Became of That Endless Summer?Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in “Muscle Beach Party,” from 1964. “Gidget,” the 1959 movie, starred Cliff Robertson (in straw hat), Sandra Dee as the title character and James Darren (on ground) as Moondoggie. By 1963, when “Catch a Wave” was ... read more
Book review: YA novel gets in with the wrong crowd
Disney in the 21st century: The company that once brought us Mickey Mouse, Annette Funicello, and “101 Dalmatians” now deals with subject matter such as teen sex, raves, infidelity, divorce, and the college admissions game. ... read more
Five most famous ex-Mouseketeers
Annette Funicello: The original superstar Mouseketeer, she was the picture of wholesome adorableness during the show's primary run in the 1950s, and she's maintained that sunny persona throughout her life. Just try picturing her without those mouse ... read more