Tutti Frutti (TV Mini Series) The Boy Can't Help It (1987) User Reviews

A strong start, but worth using subtitles

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 22 September 2022]

The lead singer of a Scottish rock band dies and his brother takes over as lead singer.

This is a strong start and introduction to the characters and setting.

With low-budget productions, it is all about the strength of the writing, performances and practical filmmaking. Tutti Futti's opening episode looks cheap and dated to the modern eye, but the characters are thoroughly engaging and John Byrne's dialogue is excellent.

The impact and influence of Rock and Roll and US culture in general is a strong theme, as we meet a fading group of sixties rockers stuck in the reality of middle aged life in Glasgow. Danny's experiences in New York and the reality of American life are a highlight for me.

I recommend to those not accustomed to a strong Scottish accent and dialect to watch it with subtitles as it will make a huge difference to your enjoyment of the material and delivery of the actors.

Robbie Coltrane is full of charisma and embodies the character superbly well. Emma Thompson is great and the two have excellent chemistry. All cast are good so far.

The Boy Can't Help It

[Prismark10 · 9/10 · 27 December 2022]

Featuring two actors who were better known as comedians. Tutti Frutti established both Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson as serious actors.

Coltrane plays two roles. The late Big Jazza McGlone, lead singer of the 1960s band The Majestics. They were about to start a silver jubilee tour arranged by their dodgy manager Eddie Clockerty (Richard Wilson.)

His brother Danny has returned from America to for the funeral. He claims to be a successful painter in New York when he meets Suzi Kettles (Thomson) who he was in art school with.

She is now a waitress, while Danny later admits that life is not great in New York, he lives in a crummy loft apartment.

However Danny has a chance to take over the lead singer of the Majestics, something he is reluctant to do.

The first episode benefits a lot from the strong writing by John Byrne. Acerbic and funny. There is an instant chemistry between Coltrane and Thompson.

The script plays to Coltrane's strengths. At times it looks like he is freewheeling, cracking jokes, doing impressions. It also helped the Coltrane could sing and play in real life.