What you have here is about sixty minutes of song numbers wrapped around about twenty five minutes of story. For music fans, I don't know where else you'd go to see some of the acts on display here, and quite honestly, as a kid growing up in the Fifties, I had never heard even a single song before that was featured in this film. Not many of the acts made it apparently, the ones that did you'll know right off - Chuck Berry and La Vern Baker are the best examples, with The Moonglows, The Flamingoes and Frankie Lymon all making their mark in the picture. A surprise for me was seeing Alan Freed actually singing a tune called 'Rock n Roll Boogie' with his band, that's an item I'll have to add to my trivia list.What there is of a story has to do with teenage Dori (a thirteen year old Tuesday Weld) attempting to get her Dad (Jack Collins) to spring for a strapless gown for the high school prom! Apparently this was pretty bold stuff for the Fifties, and I couldn't help but think that the dress shop scene could have used Abbott and Costello to provide some energy on that thirty dollar/forty five dollar routine. I tried to follow it for a while but decided it was pointless enough to just let it go.I also had to wonder why the story didn't follow up on an early premise when Tommy (Teddy Randazzo) suggested a big surprise for anyone watching the Alan Freed TV show. After most of the acts got through their numbers, Tommy was introduced as a local talent show winner, and there was no reaction shot from Dori and her friend Arabella (Fran Manfred) watching at home. It wasn't until his song was almost done that the camera picked the girls up and their response was like watching just another act.Well take it for what it's worth. This one belongs in one of those times capsules they dig up centuries from now to figure out what life was like eons ago. Won't they be surprised?

Although the low budget quality of the film is unfortunate it captures true Americana at its best. Happy, energetic youth dressing to the hilt, dancing with some style, and more worried about going to the dance than trying to buy a joint. Ike in the White House to protect us, no Viet Nam, no Watergate, no 911, and automobiles that were a work of art. The title song by Jimmy Cavallo is the essence of Rock and Roll..Young kids dancing with their peers in a simple but synchronized rhythm releasing their innermost feelings while having fun. And Alan Freed, what more can you say? The pioneer of a genre that helped break the shackles of a segregated culture. Although he was crucified for his efforts his smile on stage shows how happy he was to bring joy to the youth of America.

I like this movie more every time I see it. It may be a very low budget film, but it looks great taking that into account anyway. And even though it was basically a showcase for the musical acts of that time, the thin storyline was really pretty good. A thirteen year-old Tuesday Weld proved that she could act quite well, this being her first film. And getting back to the musical talent here, almost all of it was great. I only wish that Chuck Berry had done one or two more numbers. The Moonglows, The Flamingos, and especially Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were fantastic. Another minor musical criticism: I wish the great LaVern Baker had sung a better, more rocking r'n'b number. Jimmy Cavallo and his House Rockers were great too with the title tune (what ever became of him?). And of course, of great historical importance, this is the only film around of the legendary Johnny Burnette Trio performing (as far as I know).I'm pretty sure that this was filmed in the New York area, and if you look closely toward the end of the picture, you'll see a young Valerie Harper.This is one of the top rock'n'roll movies of the '50's, along with "Go,Johnny,Go" and "The Girl Can't Help It". It's a piece of musical history; a great time capsule.

I love this film! The plot is weak, but this film isn't about the plot. It's about music! The music in this film is brilliant! The plot is virtually non-existent, and what plot that exists is wonderfully sitcom-like. Face-it, this movie was made solely for the purpose of show-casing music, But it does very well at it's job. I really don't know what more to say, but let me say this. If you like 50's music, you may like this film. It's a popcorn flick, but a good one. The plot is simple, A girl wants to take a boy to the dance, but cant afford a dress. She comes up with the idea of lending money like a bank, but trouble ensues when the nasty girl she lends the money to, wont give it back. Overall it's a fun popcorn flick!