More 50s rock jukebox musical fun with as usual the acts providing the novelty: this one has Chuck Berry (title track, and "Memphis Tennessee"), Jackie Wilson, Eddie Cochran, and Ritchie Valens (looking very short and chunky singing a funky tune).
The lead role is played by a real singer, Jimmy Clanton, who has a nice singing voice and laid back Southern charm. Unfortunately he's got a dud role, playing a selfish brat - an orphan with a chip on his shoulder who wants to be a singing star. Sandy Stewart is his fellow orphan who he romances. The mostly silly plot involves Clanton cutting a record and Alan Freed (everyone's favourite 50s deejay cameo) discovering it and wondering who the singer is. Will they track him down before Clanton robs a jewelry store? What do you think?
Some of the numbers are terrific especially Berry's, and I liked Valens too. And its eerie watching Valens and Cochran knowing both would soon be dead.
No comments:
Post a Comment