Cat. No. DVD 1009: VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ ROCK'N'ROLL & THE 50s. PAYLESS 600409. (B&W)

REVIEW: This DVD dramatically illustrates many of the revolutionary influences of the 1950s from the drive-in movies to the hula hoop and rock’n’roll. The Rock’n’Roll and the '50s featured six programmes made in the USA, however, it would appear that only four programmes are featured on this DVD. Having said that, what is contained in the DVD is a pleasant trip down memory lane reliving those fun filled days of the '50s. Included in these programmes are a number of televised appearances by rock’n’roll artists. In addition are newsreel clips, movie trailers and television commercials from the period. Along the way are glimpses of the Marx Brothers, Abbot & Costello, Eddie Fisher, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds and many more.

Rock’n’roll collectors would, of course, be interested in the footage of the artists appearing in the series as there could well be footage of artists that the collector does not already have. Below is listed the appearances of the artists with as much information as we have available.

Volume 1.

- Bill Haley & His Comets: “Rock Around The Clock”. Part clip- The Ted Steel Show,

  W.O.R – TV -1955 (Poor – Fair).

- Brief interview with Fats Domino.

- Fats Domino: “Blueberry Hill”. Complete – Alan Freed Show, 1956 (Fair – Good).

- Bill Haley arriving in London with interview. (Good)

- Bill Haley & His Comets: “Rip It Up”. Full clip. Date Unknown. (Poor – Fair).

- Fats Domino: “I’m In Love Again”. Full Clip. Date Unknown. (Fair – Good).

- Fats Domino: Medley – “You Win Again” / “Let The Four Winds Blow”. Full clip.

  Date Unknown. (Good).

- Dinah Washington: “Such A Night”. Full clip. Date Unknown. (Good).

- Fats Domino: “When My Dreamboat Comes Home”. Full clip. Date Probably 1956.

  The Alan Freed Show. (Fair – Good).

Volume 2.

- The Diamonds: “Little Darlin”. Full clip. Date Unknown. (Fair – Good)

- The Platters: “Only You”. (live uptempo version). Full clip. Date unknown (Fair – Good).

- Pattie Page: “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window”. Full clip. Date Unknown.       (Good).

- The Diamonds: “Words Of Love”. (live) Full clip. Date Unknown. (Good).

- Pattie Page: “Tennessee Waltz”. Full clip. Date Unknown (Good).

- The Platters: “Dance With Me Henry” (live – lead vocal by Zola Taylor). Full clip.

  Date Unknown.

Volume 3.

- Spotlight Elvis Presley in clips and photos.

- Interview with Jerry Lee Lewis on his return to the US about his ill-fated trip to England.

- Jerry Lee Lewis: “High School Confidential” (live on British T.V. show “Ready, Steady,

  Go”). Full clip. Date unknown. (Good).

- Buddy Knox: Medley – “Party Doll” / “ Hula Love”. Full clip – Alan Freed Show, 1957.

  (Good).

- Jerry Lee Lewis: video collage of Jerry singing “Great Balls Of Fire” culminating in clip

  of performance on British T.V. show “Ready, Steady, Go”. Date Unknown.

- Jerry Lee Lewis: “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. Full clip – British T.V. show “Ready,

  Steady, Go” (live). Date unknown. Sensational!!!

- Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps: “Dance In The Street”. Part clip. Date Unknown. Good.

Volume 4.

- Spotlights Buddy Holly & The Crickets in image.

- Everly Brothers: “Bye Bye Love”. (live) Full clip – Short version. Date unknown. Good.

- Bobby Darin: “Dream Lover”. Full clip – visually good, audio fair. Date Unknown.

- Bobby Darin: “Mack The Knife”. Full clip. Date unknown. Good.

- Charlie Gracie: “Butterfly” – Alan Freed Show. 1957. Good.

- Del Vikings: “Jitterbug Mary”. Full clip. Date unknown. Good.

- Newsreel from Action Central News on the plane crash which killed Buddy Holly,

  Ritchie Valens & Big Bopper. Includes images.

DVD