At first sight 'The Golden Disc' is laughable. The budget was small as in all films by the Butcher's company. The acting is variable. Mary Steele performs in a way you will either love or hate. Note that patronising laugh! (The grumpy man running gag is quite funny though.)The sets look like they could wobble and the dialogue is pretty dull. Yet unconsciously it is a snapshot of the late fifties in Britain.
First it throws in a cornucopia of music styles. The producers obviously trying to please all. There is folk, instrumentals, skiffle, jazz, ballads, rock and roll, everything apart from classical. As a piece of musical history it is excellent.
Secondly it captures the feeling of changing times. The English cafe becomes a continental coffee bar with expresso not tea. Older music forms are alongside modern ones. In an early scene Lee Patterson turns his back while Mary Steele gets changed, policed by her aunt. Later a teenage is seen wiggling her hips uninhibitedly. Hints of the revolution to come.
Films like this are interesting to watch because even if the makers just wanted to make money they can't help reflecting something of their times. And there are a couple of nice songs in it.
First it throws in a cornucopia of music styles. The producers obviously trying to please all. There is folk, instrumentals, skiffle, jazz, ballads, rock and roll, everything apart from classical. As a piece of musical history it is excellent.
Secondly it captures the feeling of changing times. The English cafe becomes a continental coffee bar with expresso not tea. Older music forms are alongside modern ones. In an early scene Lee Patterson turns his back while Mary Steele gets changed, policed by her aunt. Later a teenage is seen wiggling her hips uninhibitedly. Hints of the revolution to come.
Films like this are interesting to watch because even if the makers just wanted to make money they can't help reflecting something of their times. And there are a couple of nice songs in it.