Articles

The Boardwalk has attracted Hollywood for decades. There's a long list of movies, music videos, TV shows and commercials that have used the Boardwalk as a backdrop in various ways. 

One movie production stands out to me as the most unique by far. It included Academy Award and Tony Award winning actors, period set requirements, a unique collection of extras for background shots, and an admired original musical score. It was an NBC made-for-TV project, nominated for 5-primetime Emmy Awards, airing once on American television to decent critical reviews. As far as I know, there were theatrical releases in Britain and Australia, but none of consequence in the United States. 

Read on to see what film I'm referring to...

On a warm day, the seat upholstery could be hot, too warm to initially sit comfortably. I would reach over the boat’s side and try to touch the tranquil cool water. Beach and Boardwalk noises were muffled by the distance. I began acclimating to a special realm of summertime beach fun. Then, with a big Italian grin on his weathered face, Stago piloted the vessel out to the mile buoy at full speed in a wide arc. Who else can remember the wind in their hair as they raced through the Bay on a speedboat ride?

Today, many Boardwalk guests venture inside the Neptune’s Kingdom Fun Center. But there's an older generation of Boardwalk visitors who, upon looking up at the eight blue ceiling girders, can recall fond memories of swimming at the beach - inside the Plunge.

Next time you visit the Boardwalk, stop below the west tower of the Sky Glider ride and facing the bumper cars picture a giant clown’s mouth. That’s where the portal into our iconic Fun House once stood. For many of us, the Fun House brings back happy memories of long hours of uninhibited play and frolic amid its attractions.

The Wild Mouse was a memorable Boardwalk ride experience from 1958 to 1975. It tickles me that whenever we host groups for a Boardwalk tour, memories of this ride abound. People still recall the emotional impact, usually after experiencing just one ride, many decades ago. It always amazes me that folks still have such vivid memories of riding "The Mouse" when it has been gone for more than 40 years!  

Of the many rides that have come and gone from the Boardwalk over the decades, one was uniquely memorable – the Flying Cages. Between 1962 and 1972, you only rode on the cages if you were ready for a work out - and that took practice!