The rock and roll revolution was in high gear in the mid-1950s, particularly in 1956. Elvis Presley broke out, and suddenly black and white music was mixed. As a result, Rock, Rock, Rock, was released, in perfect timing. Many early rock and roll stars appeared and performed in the movie.
The plot was very simple: Dori Graham (Tuesday Weld) is a boy-crazy 13-year old who wants to go to the dance, but she (nor her daddy) can't afford a strapless dress. So she starts her own loaning service, hoping to get a return-on-investment, only to find she is doing something illegal. Much of the film consists of full song performances by superstars of that day: Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, LaVern Baker, among many others. Alan Freed, who first coined the term 'rock and roll' also appears as himself in the film.
Since music is my main interest, I do consider myself a rock historian. Unfortunately, a lot of young'uns today don't care much about the evolution of rock and roll anymore. That is, of course, if you're not talking about the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin. No, before them, there was a time when rock and roll was breaking out into the mainstream and it was challenged among teens and parents. This film captures so much of the 1950s spirit and bliss. A definitely different America from what we are now.
Watch this for historic and nostalgic purposes. And you can possibly learn a lesson about money!
My rating: 7 out of 10
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