Ring-A-Ding Rhythm! (1962)

In the new town of Bad Trad, England, a battle is ensuing between the generations regarding the older generation's view of the disruptive nature of what teenagers are listening to, what is ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Lester (as Dick Lester)

Writer:

Milton Subotsky

Stars:

Helen Shapiro, Craig Douglas, John Leyton

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Helen Shapiro	...	Helen
Craig Douglas	...	Craig
John Leyton	...	Himself
The Brook Brothers	...	Themselves
Chubby Checker	...	Himself
Del Shannon	...	Himself
Gary U.S. Bonds	...	Himself (as Gary {U.S} Bonds/Gary {U.S.} Bonds)
Gene Vincent	...	Himself
Gene McDaniels	...	Himself
The Paris Sisters	...	Themselves (as Paris Sisters)
The Dukes of Dixieland	...	Themselves (as Dukes Of Dixieland)
Chris Barber	...	Himself
Chris Barber's Jazz Band	...	Themselves
Ottilie Patterson	...	Herself
Acker Bilk	...	Himself (as MrAcker Bilk)

Storyline

In the new town of Bad Trad, England, a battle is ensuing between the generations regarding the older generation's view of the disruptive nature of what teenagers are listening to, what is considered popular music of the day, namely jazz. The fight for the older generation is led by the mayor of the town, who ultimately passes an ordinance requiring a license to broadcast such entertainment. The fight for the teenagers is led by Helen and Craig, who decide the best way to show that jazz is not disruptive is to hold a jazz music festival. With a little help by the off screen narrator, Helen and Craig travel to the big city and hit the music studios and live music venues in search of a disc jockey who will help arrange for the acts to appear at the festival. This task is not as easy as they initially believe it will be. When the mayor finds out what the teenagers are up to, he does whatever he can to stop them. Helen and Craig may find that political expediency may be their best weapon.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | exclamation point in title | apostrophe in title | comma in title | rhyme in title | 

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Taglines:

It's Got That Mad JAZZ Beat!!

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Genres:

Musical | Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ring-A-Ding Rhythm!

Filming Locations:

Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, Surrey, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Amicus Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Leyton receives a 'Special Guest Star" credit.

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Goofs

When Acker Bilk's band is playing "In a Persian Market", the drummer twice hits the cymbals, yet we never hear it.

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Connections

Referenced in The Dream Maker (1963)

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Soundtracks

Lose Your Inhibition Twist
(uncredited)
Written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell
Performed by Chubby Checker

User Reviews

Two Teens, One Big Beehive, and a Bunch of Bands = Fun Frolic

Fun, music-filled film about a teenage boy and girl from a small, nameless UK village who want to bring a jazz show to their town. But one problem - they must go up against town mayor, a guy who thinks the local teenagers are disrupting the peace with their WILD music. The two youths head out to the big city in search of a disc jockey who can bring some great bands to their town for the show.

This is an enjoyable, funny film fully loaded with great musical acts performed by a variety of performers. Though this film does drag a bit in the second half, it is still a treat to see, full of innovative photography in the musical segments, amusing voice-over narration and British humor throughout the film in a style that reminded me of "Monty Python". The version I saw of this film, as shown on TCM, featured a very clear print. Good fun.