Vonda Van Dyke’s DAY BY DAY

Vonda Van Dyke was Miss America 1965. That same year, she starred in the B-movie Teenage Diary.

Here is a great review of the film, "...a color Christian propaganda short geared to scare teenagers out of their sinful ways, and featuring a complete cast and crew credits sequence! 

Penny is a beautiful teenage girl going to the senior dance with Brad, a good Christian boy. For some reason, the high school dance takes place at a garish tiki bar (?!) with Duane Eddy-style guitar music and an exotic floorshow. 

At home, Penny’s dad goes to the bar and leaves her mom pining by the fireplace. 

Penny and Brad cavort by the ocean until drunk Dad shows up to pummel Brad for being forward with his daughter. The two young lovers find sympathy with Brad’s parents, but Penny’s dysfunctional family forbids her from socializing with her true love, leading her to go to Mexico with a hothead in a convertible, get drunk, and get into a fight with the folks!

All these issues contribute to Penny’s eventual suicide attempt before she is saved by her local pastor. 

This is a very stylish little short subject, with accomplished cinematography, atmospheric gel lighting, and surprisingly good performances, especially from Vonda Van Dyke as Penny (who later released a Christian inspirational album in 1972 and now currently resides in Laguna Beach.)”

All of this begs the question: For Vonda’s talent competition segment in the national beauty pageant, did she sing or actor?

This promo copy finds Vonda still religious in 1971 and covering a song from the Godspell musical.