The Beatniks (1960)

A young singer's chance at fame is threatened by his hoodlum pals.

Director:

Paul Frees

Writer:

Paul Frees

Stars:

Tony Travis, Karen Kadler, Peter Breck

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Tony Travis	...	Eddy
Karen Kadler	...	Iris
Peter Breck	...	Mooney
Joyce Terry	...	Helen
Bob Wells	...	Chuck
Sam Edwards	...	Red
Charles Delaney	...	Bayliss
Stanley Farrar	...	Morrissey (as Stan Farrar)
Claude Stroud	...	Hotel Manager
Martha Wentworth	...	Nadine
Bob Pacquin	...	Hotel Detective
Frank Worth	...	Bartender

Storyline

Eddie Crane is on his way to becoming a top recording star...if he can only break away from his lawless beatnik friends who are his only companions. Trouble ensues when his friends kill a bartender during a botched hold-up.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | beatnik | delinquent | public domain | independent film

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Taglines:

Satchmo's hotter than ever at the box-office

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Genres:

Crime

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Company Credits

Production Co:

Glenville

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Eddy asks Mooney to leave the hotel room so he can talk with his agent, Mooney walks out of the shot and we hear the hotel door close. Mooney's shadow, however, can still be seen on the wall, revealing the actor is still on the set.

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Quotes

[Eddy brings his gang into Bayliss's office, where they meet with TV station manager Ray Morrissey]
Iris: Are you the guy's who's gonna put Eddy on the TV?
Mr. Ray Morrissey: Well, I don't know, miss. Eh, we came down to hear him sing. If he's anything like, uh...
Iris: Oh, come *on*, pop! Eddy can sing rings around any of 'em! He can sing better than any of 'em -
Eddy Crane: Shut up, Iris.
Iris: But I just wanted -
Eddy Crane: You hear what I said?

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Connections

Referenced in The Boatniks (1970)

User Reviews

Sideburns don't need your sympathy....

That is one song that never fails to crack me up.

Beatniks anyone? See any? There are none to be found here. Tony Travis plays Eddy Crane; rebel and small-time hood, but also sings like a pansy femme?? This definitely ruins any credibility since you really can't straddle the fence. Either tell Iris to shut up, or sing "With a Look"; you can't do BOTH! That audition scene is hilarious getting to see hardcore, tough Eddy crooning sentimentality. HA HA HA HA!!!

Who else shamed themselves? Peter Breck as Mooney. Ham anyone? He takes the manic psycho character to probably the only entertainment in this flop. It's tough to be scared of someone who threatens you with "I'm gonna MOON you!!". His soliloquy regarding the barkeep is also priceless scene followed by on odd whiny fit. Then there's annoying broad Iris who's dancing can scar even those unprepared for random corkscrew gyrations. Mr. Morrissey taught me that to succeed as a talent agent, get in an auto accident, call for a tow, and listen to the guy near the jukebox!! Then there's a dive called Charlie's run by a guy named Gus(?).

Despite this corny premise, maybe the makers of Beatniks were trying to make a statement about life; it's not all wavy gravy and the man always square forcing the minds of our best generation to conform to antiquated norms while suppressing self expression. Rail against the establishment!! Whoops, slipped into Beatnik mode there. Well, someone had to because this film sure doesn't!!

"I KILLED THAT FAT BARKEEP!"

It's true...it's not what you say, but how you say it.