A pool of fun flicks to pass the summer

What's better in the summer than a dip in the pool?

A dip into pool-related movies.

OK, that's not true. The pool is better. But watching the following does have its advantages: no sunscreen needed.

Caddyshack (1980): The most useful list movie ever scores again. It's a twofer - there's the scene when the caddies get to swim in the club pool, causing general mayhem (and a Baby Ruth incident), and there's the scene with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, in which Chase invites, sort of, Murray to his house, which, you'll recall, has a pool and a pond. Pond would be good for you. Classic.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982): Lots of things to remember about this film, including Sean Penn as Spicoli. But Phoebe Cates emerging from the pool in Judge Reinhold's character's daydream is certainly among them.

The Graduate (1967): Benjamin Braddock in his scuba gear, heading for the pool - an iconic movie moment. And Benjamin drifting on the float. And the future? All together now: Plastics.

Rushmore (1998): Great movie, cool scene. But when Bill Murray (again) sinks to the bottom of his pool, is he channeling Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin? Does it really matter? (Correct answer: not at all. We prefer "homage" to "stealing.")

The Hustler (1961): Ha! No one said it had to be a swimming-pool movie. Paul Newman has been in the news of late with concerns about his health, and it put us in mind of his portrayal of "Fast Eddie" Felson, pool-shark extraordinaire.

We wish Newman the best, of course - and we love his movie.

Sean Penn in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."