william-tobelman Reviews

Finders Keepers (1966)

Nice Fluff

[7/10 · 9 January 2010]

This is the Cliff Richard & the Shadows movie that was made at the time when the Beatles & their ilk were all the rage.

In response, this film has Cliff Richard with his hair combed forward and moves The Shadows to a more prominent role as songwriters, actors, and singers.

The movie is very colorful and beautiful to look at, has the vintage mid sixties madcap feel, mid sixties styling, and is clean cut & wholesome.

Those looking for deep meanings & complicated plot lines had better stick to other movie genres. This is teenybopper stuff.

What's secretly special about this film is The Shadows' vocal contributions which are in league with those on their excellent SHADOW MUSIC album.

Ferry Cross the Mersey (1964)

Mersey Must See

[10/10 · 10 May 2008]

Some may view this film as inferior to A Hard Day's Night. But Ferry Cross The Mersey should be viewed as a companion piece to the Beatles classic.

The Gerry & The Pacemakers' film is to Liverpool as the Beatles' film is to London (or thereabouts). One is about a musical group trying to make it big while the other is about a group that has made it big. The two films together present a more accurate picture of the Mersey scene and its effect on popular culture.

While the Pacemaker's film isn't nearly as smart and the band members aren't nearly as engaging as the Beatles, there is plenty of heart and honesty to go around. Gerry and The Pacemakers don't try and be what they're not.

Ferry Cross The Mersey also features quality musical selections throughout and it's a joy to listen to. The other local groups that compete in the battle of the bands display the grit and energy of the Liverpool scene. It's exciting stuff.

This underrated film really captures the style & feel of the times and should be seen as a companion piece to A Hard Day's Night.

Hold On! (1966)

Hold on & hang in there for the music.

[8/10 · 18 November 2007]

Hold On! is a fairly typical teen flick from the mid sixties. Check your brain at door.

The appeal here is the music. One will hear a top notch take of "Where Were You When I Needed You." There's the hit "A Must To Avoid." "All The Things I Do For You Baby" is covered. And the title track "Hold On!" is sure to please. That's four Sloan-Barri/P.F. Sloan songs in one movie! The Hermits play another goodie called "Wild Love" and Shelley Fabares melts hearts with "Make Me Happy." The soundtrack LP may we the way to go for those who prefer a meaningful movie experience but those who love "all things sixties" might like Hold On!