Don’t Knock the Rock
Directed by Fred F. Sears
Written by Robert E. Kent
1956/USA
Clover Productions
First viewing/Netflix rental
Arnie Haines: He seems to think that running around in my underwear or getting thrown out of my hotel is news. And does that sound like news to you guys?
Member of Applejacks: If you were Kim Novak, it might.
The story, the lead, and a lot of the acts are pretty dopey. Little Richard and some dynamite dancing almost make up for it.
Alan Hale is a teen idol being managed by Alan Freed. He gets sick of all the publicity hype so he and his band take a vacation in the farming community he hails from. His mere presence causes a firestorm of controversy. The mayor decides to build his re-election campaign on an anti-rock and roll platform. An influential columnist is also on the scene to report developments. Her daughter has a weakness for the new music. So Freed brings in some big acts for a rock and roll dance in a neighboring town designed to demonstrate how harmless the music is. Naturally, Hale falls for the columnist’s daughter and a jealous hussy tries to sabotage the proceedings.
As with most of these Columbia rockers, the story is built around convincing adults that rock and roll is wholesome. Their problem is that good rock and roll is dangerous! Little Richard clearly was. Thus he is the bright light amid a lot of dweebish acts and a formulaic plot.
It looks like this film was the first to include a song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David – “I Cry More” performed by Alan Dale. Little Richard sings “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally”.
Clip – Little Richard rocks out
Bill Haley covers Little Richard (if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!) + some fantastic jitterbugging
