With the passing of Chuck Berry this past week it was an
amazing coincidence that Kit Parker Films had recently released a feature
starring Berry in a supporting role, GO JOHNNY GO. The film is also one of the
first offerings under the new banner the company is using, The Sprocket Vault.
I was familiar with the name Kit Parker from my college
days, a time when his company was just starting out. At that time his company
handled a number of 16mm films for rental, most of them classics from the
golden days of Hollywood. By classics I’m not talking huge budgeted studio
features, the studios had the rights to those. But Parker made a name for
himself and his company by offering great old films at decent rental prices.
When video and then DVD rolled around he transferred those films and continues
to market them.
GO JOHNNY GO tells the story of young Johnny Melody (Jimmy
Clanton) (with a name like that he’s destined for showbiz), an orphan who’s out
on his own now and looking to make his mark as a professional singer. He knows
he has talent, now all he needs is a break. Fortune smiles on him when he runs
into Julie Arnold (Sandy Stewart), a young girl he knew in the orphanage who
was adopted. They share dreams, both wanting to become singers and plan to meet
up again sometime.
Both of them get the chance when radio personality Allan
Freed and his PR man decide to have a contest giving some young singer the
chance to become the next big star with a spot on his rock and roll road show.
This is where Berry steps in as a musician who works for Freed as well as being
a star himself. Julie is recording her record to submit when she runs into
Johnny again, spending his last money of his recording.
The submissions roll in and Freed hears Johnny’s song. The
PR man and Berry insists that the kid has potential. But he doesn’t have a
phone. His plan to call run astray when Freed and his group step out to visit a
club. Fortunately Julie and Johnny are at the same club! And yet they miss
their chance to talk to Freed! Good heaven’s what will happen next? Watch and
see to find out.
Throughout the film there are performances by some of the
top solo artists and groups of the day. That is one of the things that makes
this movie so special and one to add to the collection of every classic rock
and roll fan. Those performers include Richie Valens, Jackie Wilson, The
Flamingos, Eddie Cochran, Harvey Fuqua, Jo-Ann Campbell and the Cadillacs. All
are tremendous fun to watch, listen to and enjoy. Even Berry gets the chance to
perform his classic “Memphis” and do his signature duck walk.
In the fifties and sixties movies like this were being made
to meet the demand of fans who wanted to see their favorite music stars. It
wasn’t like today when everyone can click on YouTube on their cell phone and
watch a performer. These moves were made on the cheap but they still offered a
combination of story, musical performances and entertainment as well as a huge
heap of charm that drew fans in. Now you can enjoy it as well with this
release.
In addition to getting the best quality print that can be
found of this film it also offers a commentary track featuring Richard M.
Roberts, Randy Skeetvedt and Brent Walker. There is also a copy of the original
trailer as well. If you grew up listening to this music you’ll want to add this
one to your collection.
Click here to order.
No comments:
Post a Comment