By Forris Day Jr.
“The 1955 Rock’n Roll Revue and Rhythm and Blues Revue” is a 2 disc set that gives us a pleasant peek into the 1955 music scene. Disc #1 contains two musical variety shows both filmed at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater in 1955. The first episode is over an hour of live music and dancing featuring some of the top Rhythm and Blues artists of the time and the second 1 hour show features Rock and Roll stars of the era.
Some of the acts on disc #1 are Martha Davis, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Joe Turner just to name a few. The music and dancing is enjoyable to watch and it’s interesting learning about and seeing some of the forgotten stars from the past perform. It was certainly a simpler time in entertainment but still great fun to watch. It makes me realize how much talent there is and has been in this world. I’m happy that we are still able to enjoy otherwise forgotten acts because of the release of DVD sets such as this one.
Disc #2 is the full length feature film called “Rock, Rock, Rock!”. It’s a pretty cheesy movie that starts out with a bunch of kids preparing for their prom and discussing the up and coming Alan Freed show on TV. It’s got some of the big names from the mid century such as Tuesday Weld, Chuck Berry and controversial radio DJ, Alan Freed. As a matter of fact the movie seems to be a promotional vehicle for Alan Freed’s TV show. Freed promoted rock and roll music to the world when radio stations were afraid to do so. The plot is a bit forced with plenty of bad acting but the music is what makes it worth the watch. It’s amusing to watch the kids break into song for no apparent reason.
The musicians (and kids) are clearly lip syncing to their recorded tracks but I personally enjoyed all the old tunes. It’s funny watching as the movie cuts from the TV show to people watching the show at home. Parents who wanted nothing to do with Rock and Roll music start bopping to the music as the movie goes along. The main storyline is Tuesday Weld’s character trying to come up with the cash to but an evening dress for the prom.
This set contains 50+ musical performances, over 3 ½ hours of entertainment so it’s well worth the purchase. Add this bit of musical history to your collection, you will be glad you did.
Rating: 8/10 – “Rock around the clock”
Purchase “The 1955 Rock’n Roll Revue and Rhythm and Blues Revue”
