Legendary 50's rock disc jockey Alan Freed's last and best movie with Freed not only starring (he gives perhaps his most comfortable and engaging performance here), but also producing as well. Freed plays wise, kindly, worldly mentor to an eager beaver orphan (and failed choirboy!) who needs Freed's endorsement to make it as a big-time rock star. Granted, the trite rags-to-riches central story ain't much; ditto the nondescript direction, drab, static cinematography, flat TV movieish production values, and very basic editing. However, one doesn't evaluate this type of golden age of rock feature on either its technical finesse or narrative expertise; it's simply how smokin' the music is that's the chief concern. Fortunately, said music really cooks.
Chuck Berry exudes his customary suave confidence belting out the stone cold aces classics "Johnny Be Goode" and "Memphis, Tennesse." Adorable Jo-Ann Campbell happily chirps the saucy "Mama Can I Go Out." The Flamingoes bring down the house with the raucous party platter "Jump, Children." Harvey pleasantly croons the catchy, charming "Don't Be Afraid of Love." The Cadillacs goof it up something silly on the funny Coasters-style novelty numbers "Jay Walker" and "Please Mr. Johnson." Rockabilly giant Eddie Cochran does a killer rendition of the stupendously boss "You Better Know It." Richie Valens moans outrageously through the socking "Ooh My Head." Lead actor/singer Jimmy Clanton, an affably boyish Louisiana-born lad with a strong bluesy rasp of a voice, commendably holds his own amid this fantastic wealth of remarkable musical talent: the snazzy "Ship On a Stormy Sea," the dreamy "Don't You Know," the lovely "Angel Face," and the pretty, swoony ballad "Once Again" are all first-rate tunes. And the flick's disarmingly effervescent evocation of the nifty 50's rock milieu definitely hits the sweetly nostalgic spot: the kids are decent and clean-cut, the adults tolerant and understanding, the songs all possess cheery, upbeat messages, there's nary a trace of irony or cynicism to be found throughout, and even notoriously jerky skinflint Chuck Berry almost succeeds in coming across like a nice guy (!).
Chuck Berry exudes his customary suave confidence belting out the stone cold aces classics "Johnny Be Goode" and "Memphis, Tennesse." Adorable Jo-Ann Campbell happily chirps the saucy "Mama Can I Go Out." The Flamingoes bring down the house with the raucous party platter "Jump, Children." Harvey pleasantly croons the catchy, charming "Don't Be Afraid of Love." The Cadillacs goof it up something silly on the funny Coasters-style novelty numbers "Jay Walker" and "Please Mr. Johnson." Rockabilly giant Eddie Cochran does a killer rendition of the stupendously boss "You Better Know It." Richie Valens moans outrageously through the socking "Ooh My Head." Lead actor/singer Jimmy Clanton, an affably boyish Louisiana-born lad with a strong bluesy rasp of a voice, commendably holds his own amid this fantastic wealth of remarkable musical talent: the snazzy "Ship On a Stormy Sea," the dreamy "Don't You Know," the lovely "Angel Face," and the pretty, swoony ballad "Once Again" are all first-rate tunes. And the flick's disarmingly effervescent evocation of the nifty 50's rock milieu definitely hits the sweetly nostalgic spot: the kids are decent and clean-cut, the adults tolerant and understanding, the songs all possess cheery, upbeat messages, there's nary a trace of irony or cynicism to be found throughout, and even notoriously jerky skinflint Chuck Berry almost succeeds in coming across like a nice guy (!).