Movies in The Grand Strand“Turn on! Stay loose! Make out!” Thus trumpeted the ads for 1967’s “Don’t Make Waves,” a wacky comedy about Los Angeles and the SoCal beach culture starring Tony Curtis and Claudia Cardinale. So why are we mentioning this forgotten swinging ‘60s artifact in a roundup of Grand Strand movies? Because some scenes were shot in Myrtle Beach (although the movie was primarily filmed in and around Malibu). While we don’t necessarily recommend hunting down a copy just to compare the beach footage, you might want to give a listen to the title song—performed by one of the coolest American rock bands of that decade, the Byrds—on YouTube.
Not only filmed on location but actually taking place in Myrtle Beach, “Shag” (released in 1989 but set in 1963) is about a posse of teenage girlfriends—played by ‘80s starlets Phoebe Cates, Bridget Fonda and Annabeth Gish—who head to town for a post-graduation weekend of partying, dancing, boy chasing and total good times. Of course relationships change and life lessons ensue (think “American Graffiti” with a sun and sand setting).
True to the title, there are scenes in which characters do the shag. Although it never conquered mainstream pop culture, shag dancing was a huge regional craze in the Southeast, and South Carolina in particular. This foot-shuffling, knee-bending, hip-twisting series of dance steps was enthusiastically performed to “beach music” (namely classic R&B or '50s- and '60s-style rock 'n' roll). “Shag” also boasts spot-on period details, from the hairdos to the clothes to the cars to the slang.
The Grand Strand, SC
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hampton Inn by Hilton Murrells Inlet512 Courtfield Dr. Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel2101 N Oak St. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes8400 Costa Verde Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Book NowSave 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program
Best Western Plus Myrtle Beach @Intracoastal9551 N Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.