Join Vintage Rock as we head to the cinema to explore the hottest rock’n’roll movies of the 1950s…
The mid-’50s brought with it a new, different kind of teenager. The boys wanted to slick back their hair, don leather jackets and rev their engines; the girls wanted to wear polka-dot skirts and liked nothing more than to be swung around a dance hall on a Saturday night. The silver screen played its part in kickstarting this revolution, allowing the youth to live out their delinquent dreams through a cast of would-be idols.
Now the stuffy narratives and soft-focus drama of old were gone, replaced by a cinema that embraced the problems of the young – all put to the rebellious beat of rock’n’roll. A sensationalist media doled out shocking headlines to a public hungry to believe this new sound was the devil incarnate polluting the minds of their children. In the eyes of the adults, to be a teenager meant little more than pleasure-seeking and trouble-making – and these films presented and then capitalised on those fears.
Suddenly, the full, unashamed spectrum of rock’n’roll imagery was delivered to theatres full of kids hungry to distance themselves from their parents. Here, we dive headlong into the world of rock’n’roll cinema with 30 of the most rocking movies ever committed to celluloid. So take your seat, grab your popcorn and feast your eyes…
Blackboard Jungle (1955)
Director Richard Brooks
Starring Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Louis Calhern, Margaret Hayes
This explosive flick stands out as the first to feature rock’n’roll, and the film’s theme – Bill Haley & The Comets’ Rock Around The Clock – rapidly became an anthem for a generation, flinging open the doors for a new musical era. Glenn Ford plays an inner city teacher faced with severe disciplinary problems. The film addresses the problems of poverty in education, explores delinquent behaviour and challenges racial stereotypes. Not only did the film earn big bucks and receive a clutch of Oscar nominations, but this milestone production was a clear influence on many movies that followed in its wake.
Bop Girl Goes Calypso (1957)
Director Howard W Koch
Starring Judy Tyler, Bobby Troup, Margo Woode, Mary Kaye
This picture is worthy of a mention if only for its bizarre plot and the fact that starlet Judy Tyler went on to play opposite Elvis Presley in the far superior Jailhouse Rock. Featuring musical prodigy Nino Tempo, the Mary Kaye Trio and calypso star Lord Flea, this black and white musical stages a battle between rock’n’roll and the new calypso craze. A psychology student has ‘scientifically proven’ that rock’n’roll is dead, convinced that calypso is the next big thing. There’s a questionable sub-plot involving eugenics and the removal of mental health issues through breeding, too. A truly madcap film.
Calypso Heat Wave (1957)
Director Fred F Sears
Starring Johnny Desmond, Merry Anders, Meg Myles, Paul Langdon
This was another film produced to capitalise on the short-lived calypso trend, and featured up and coming faces including poet and soon-to-be activist Maya Angelou, Johnny Desmond, and Merry Anders. A bigwig in the jukebox business forces his way into Disco Records proclaiming that ‘performers are a dime a dozen’. The label’s big star is neither willing to change his musical style nor give up half of his royalties, and decides to desert the label. Not only did this film perfectly depict the music industry in all its crooked dealings, but it also introduces the Banana Boat Song (aka Day-O).
Carnival Rock (1957)
Director Roger Corman
Starring Susan Cabot, Brian G Hutton, David J Stewart, Dick Miller
This drive-in picture is a story of unrequited love set in a sleazy run-down nightclub on a pier. Club owner Christy is totally besotted with his headline act, Natalie, and as his infatuation grows deeper his business gets further into trouble, culminating in the loss of the club in a card game. He then humiliates himself performing as the venue ‘clown’ to stay close to Natalie and, losing his mind, sets the club on fire. Great music comes from Bob Luman and his Shadows, David Houston, the Platters, a young James Burton and a cracking theme tune from The Blockbusters. Well worth a look.
Don’t Knock The Rock (1956)
Director Fred F Sears
Starring Alan Dale, Patricia Hardy, Alan Freed, Fay Baker
The rush-released sequel to Rock Around The Clock tells the tale of a rock and roll star who takes a break from the road only to discover he isn’t welcome in his own hometown as the town’s adults think his music is an unsavoury influence on their kids. So, with the help of a local DJ and some other rockers, they try to persuade the doubters to change their minds. The film is given a welcome lift thanks to Bill Haley and the Comets, two show-stoppers from the Treniers, Little Richard blasting out the classics and an excellent performance from Alan Freed, who plays the band’s manager.
Dragstrip Riot (1958)
Director David Bradley
Starring Yvonne Feddersen, Gary Clarke, Fay Wray, Bob Turnbill
This rare teen exploitation film has the full complement of 50s youth culture on display including growling bikes, drag racing and leather jackets galore! A teenager vows to his mother that he’s done with fighting after a stretch in jail, but he’s soon in trouble again when he and his friends square up to a vicious motorcycle gang. When one of the bikers dies during a brawl, the police pin the blame on him. With the gang on his tail, he tries to prove his innocence. Dragstrip Riot is rock’n’roll incarnate with juke joints, bopping, real deal rock and some hotrod eye candy. Features the Rip Chords.
Girl’s Town (1959)
Director Charles F Haas
Starring Mamie Van Doren, Mel Tormé Ray Anthony, Margaret Hayes
‘Last Stop On The Road To Nowhere!’ This is a rebel classic centring around Girl’s Town, a correctional facility for wayward girls run by nuns. The film begins with a gang member falling off a cliff to his death while trying to force himself on a girl. Despite her alibi, teen delinquent Silver is accused of pushing him and finds herself in Girl’s Town. The plot ticks all the R’n’R boxes and is packed full of grit with inter-gang drag races, rumbles and cat fights. Music comes from Paul Anka, Mamie Van Doren, and the Platters. Originally titled The Innocent And The Damned!
Go, Johnny, Go! (1959)
Director Paul Landres
Starring Alan Freed, Jimmy Clanton, Sandy Stewart, Chuck Berry
A star-studded musical cast including Alan Freed, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens (his only film appearance), Jackie Wilson and Eddie Cochran make this an absolute must-see for the rock’n’roll faithful. An orphan follows a path to superstardom with the help of a rockin’ demo and first place in a talent contest hosted by DJ and talent-spotter Alan Freed. Chuck Berry puts in a classy acting performance, but the real selling point is the spellbinding musical display that includes some of Berry’s best-sellers, the Flamingos, Eddie Cochran, and Ritchie Valens. Sheer class!
High School Confidential (1958)
Director Jack Arnold
Starring Russ Tamblyn, Jan Sterling, John Drew Barrymore, Diane Jergens
Produced by teen exploitation pro Albert Zugsmith (Girl’s Town), this B-movie – chock-full of stars – is a fun piece of 50s nostalgia that should raise a laugh or two for a modern audience. Russ Tamblyn plays a wily narcotics detective who goes under the guise of a rebellious high school rocker in order to infiltrate a drug-pushing racket run by sinister gangster Mr A, and expose it. A rock and roll highlight occurs straight away over the opening credits when we’re treated to a raucous performance of the movie’s title theme from Jerry Lee Lewis perched on the back of a flatbed truck.
Hot Rod Gang (1958)
Director Lew Landers
Starring John Ashley, Jody Fair, Steve Drexel, Scott Peters
The title says it all. This late-50s rock’n’roll musical (also known as Fury Unleashed) featured Elvis soundalike John Ashley in the star role alongside a cast that included Gene Vincent and a cameo appearance from Eddie Cochran. A young rich kid conceals his alter-ego as a hot-rodder from his strict aunts in order to secure his inheritance and joins a band to raise the money to enter his ’32 Ford roadster in drag races. With stunning curb-riding cars, juke joints, brawls and classic ’50s chicks this fits the bill, but it’s no all-time great. Car buffs may notice George Barris’ famous hot rod ‘Ala-Kart’.
Hound Dog Man (1959)
Director Don Siegel
Starring Fabian, Stuart Whitman, Carol Lynley, Arthur O’Connell
Based on the bestseller by Fred Gipson, Hound Dog Man was teen-rock idol Fabian’s debut appearance on the big screen, prompted by his track of the same name that was lighting up the hit parade at the time. In this straightforward rural drama Fabian plays the part of a disobedient boy who goes to hillbilly country on a hunting trip with his brother and their boisterous companion Blackie. As well as some great acting performances from Stuart Whitman, Carol Lynley , Arthur O’Donnell and Fabian, there’s guns, drunken fights, some great haircuts… and plenty of animals to boot!
Idle On Parade (1959)
Director John Gilling
Starring William Bendix, Anthony Newley, Anne Aubrey, Lionel Jeffries
Inspired by Elvis Presley’s army induction, this UK film is the story of Jeep Jackson, a singing sensation whose shining career is interrupted when he is drafted into the British army. The singer’s manager smuggles his big star out of the barracks in order to maintain his upward trajectory, but unsurprisingly this soon leads to trouble. Not only does Jeep get into a mass brawl with a gang of teddy boys but also finds himself in hot water when he falls for his commanding officer’s daughter. Anthony Newley became a star thanks to this feature and had a Top 10 hit with a song from the movie.
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Director Richard Thorpe
Starring Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy, Vaughn Taylor
Elvis is at his youthful best portraying the archetypal ’50s delinquent in this classic musical. Jailhouse Rock tells the story of Vince who’s serving a prison sentence for manslaughter. While inside Vince meets a country and western singer who helps hone his talent. On his release, he starts a label with a female friend and soon makes it big. Highlights include the self-choreographed performance of the title track and a zesty rendition of Treat Me Nice where Elvis plays with his real band. Presley refused to watch the film after Judy Tyler’s tragic death in a car accident shortly after filming.
Jamboree (1957)
Director Roy Lockwood
Starring Kay Medford, Bob Pastine, Paul Carr, Freda Holloway
Jamboree’s success relied heavily on its stellar musical content and star names for box office success. The flimsy plot involves two wannabe singers who realise their dreams when their duplicitous managers turn them into a double act; a romance is also kindled along the way, and trouble brews when one manager decides to breaks them up. Magical performances from Carl Perkins, Frankie Avalon, Jerry Lee Lewis, Count Basie and Fats Domino tie it together nicely. The film also features over 20 famous US DJs including American Bandstand host Dick Clark, who plays himself.
Juke Box Rhythm (1959)
Director Arthur Dreifuss
Starring Jo Morrow, Jack Jones, Brian Donlevy, Hans Conried
Another rarity, Juke Box Rhythm is worthy of mention if only for stunning performances from the Treniers who play Get Out Of My Car, the Earl Grant Trio who perform three excellent numbers, and Johnny Otis’ great rendition of his hit Willie And The Hand Jive. The premise of the film is a princess coming to New York with her aunt and chaperone in order to choose her coronation wardrobe, but also to have some rocking fun. She falls in love while in the Big Apple and the plot then twists and turns with deceit, a tested relationship… and, of course, there’s a welcome dose of rock’n’roll.
King Creole (1958)
Director Michael Curtis
Starring Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau, Dolores Hart
Considered by most to be Presley’s best film, King Creole is the story of Danny Fisher who leaves his poverty-stricken roots to seek his fortune as a singer in New Orleans. He lands himself a menial job in a night club but mixes with some shadowy characters including a mob boss and a gangster’s moll, and problems ensue. Eventually his talents woo the owner of the King Creole club, who offers him a break. During the filming Elvis was unable to leave his hotel room as fans overwhelmed his hotel. He even had to use the building next door and enter via a fire escape each night.
Let’s Rock (1958)
Director Harry Foster
Starring Julia LaRosa, Phyllis Newman, Conrad Janis, Joy Harmon
Let’s Rock is the story of a famous recording artist struggling to fit in with the new rock’n’roll sound when his career as a crooner begins to wane. His girlfriend (also a skilled songwriter) convinces him to tailor his style to fit the new scene rather than try and fight against it, and he gets back on track. This is another drive-in movie primarily lit up by the rockin’ music. In their only big-screen appearance, Danny and the Juniors bring the house down with their hit At The Hop, the Royal Teens join a big production of their smash hit Short Shorts and the legendary Paul Anka puts in a killer performance.
Love Me Tender (1956)
Director Robert D Webb
Starring Elvis Presley, Richard Egan, Debra Paget, Robert Middleton
So it’s not the most rock’n’roll of movies… but how could we omit Elvis’s first foray into the feature film? Elvis didn’t get top billing, but this western convinced film execs that kids could fill theatres and led the way for many of the other films in our list. Set around the American Civil War, this is the tempestuous story of three brothers. Originally called The Reno Brothers, it was re-named when Elvis’s single went past the record-breaking one million mark. Of course we are treated to several Elvis performances, but his hip-swivelling is somewhat out of place in a film set in the late 1800s!
Loving You (1957)
Director Hal Kanter
Starring Elvis Presley, Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason
In full Technicolour, Elvis’ second role was loosely based on his own life experiences. He plays a singing truck driver who teams up with a press agent in order to reach the top of the hit parade. He begins his rock’n’roll quest as a support act; mirroring his real life rise to stardom, some members of the public see him as uncouth and lewd, but thanks to his incredible voice and the animal effect he clearly had on women, he quickly rises to the top. Revealing his assiduous nature, Elvis reportedly re-sang the film’s title track 40 times before he was happy with his performance.
Mister Rock And Roll (1957)
Director Charles S Dubin
Starring Alan Freed, Teddy Randazzo, Lois O’Brien, Rocky Graziano
‘Father of Rock and Roll’ DJ Alan Freed introduced a generation of teenagers to rock’n’roll and is credited with the inventing the phrase. Mister Rock and Roll is his story. The roll call of musos was pretty spectacular with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and loads more providing the soundtrack – albeit with some slightly odd song choices. A year later Freed was arrested for ‘inciting a riot’ live on air (‘the police don’t want you to have fun’) and his career nosedived soon after when he was caught up in the ‘payola’ scandal for taking cash for playing records.
Rock All Night (1957)
Director Roger Corman
Starring Dick Miller, Russell Johnson, Abby Dalton, Jeanne Cooper
Destined for the drive-in and with a script supposedly written in a single day, this film tells the story of a group of teenagers held hostage by two escaped killers. A pro boxer can’t help, nor can local heavies – but Dick Miller, who stars as a tough bartender, eventually saves the day. With an opening non-stop half hour of music featuring the Platters and a slamming set from the Blockbusters who perform the Buck Ram’s title tune, this movie gets off to a rocking start. We are introduced to the main characters in-between songs but it’s in the second half that the action really begins.
Rock Around The Clock (1956)
Director Fred F Sears
Starring Bill Haley, Rudy Pompilli, Al Rex, Franny Beecher
Rock Around The Clock was producer Sam Katzman’s first musical exploitation feature (and probably the first r’n’r exploitation film), paving the way for movies in a similar vain. Bill Haley and the ‘birth’ of rock and roll is the name of the game in this genre-defining film. Having been discovered raising the roof in a small town, Haley and his band get signed and move to New York, where Alan Freed takes them to the top. As well as top tunes from Haley, there’s knock-out stuff from the Platters and Freddie Bell and his Bellboys (whose Vegas performance of Hound Dog convinced Elvis to record it).
Rock Baby Rock It (1957)
Director Murray Douglas Sporup
Starring Johnny Carroll, Don Coats, Preacher Smith, Rosco Gordon
A group of teenagers take on some shady mobsters who try to take over their dance club, The Hot Rock, in this low-budget cult film. Regarded by purists as a true rockabilly movie, Rock Baby Rock. It has a truly authentic feel thanks to some mean bopping footage and top sounds to match. The spotlight falls on rockabilly torchbearer Johnny Carroll and His Hot Rocks and the self-proclaimed ‘Queen Of Rock and Roll’ Kay Wheeler, while pounding R&B from Roscoe Gordon and the Red Tops, close harmonies from the Belew Twins, plus Preacher Smith and Don Coats bring it home.
Rock Pretty Baby (1956)
Director Richard Bartlett
Starring Sal Mineo, John Saxon, Luana Patten, Edward Platt
Despite the tagline declaring this film to be ‘the whole wonderful story of today’s rock and roll generation… told the way they want it told!’, the relatively predictable storyline makes it far less rebellious than it sounds. Rock Pretty Baby recounts the tale of a teenage boy (John Saxon) who wants to take his rock’n’roll band to the top despite the objections of his disapproving father. The cast features US DJ Johnny Grant who hosts the TV bandstand show that closes the film and veteran King Kong actress Fay Wray, while Jimmy Daley and the Dingalings bash out the film’s theme tune.
Rock, Rock, Rock (1956)
Director Will Price
Starring Alan Freed, Fran Manfred, Tuesday Weld, Teddy Randazzo
The third film in a series of five that starred Alan Freed, this low-budget flick is all about one thing – and it certainly isn’t the plot! We follow a young girl (Weld in her debut) as she tries to raise the funds for a new prom dress for the school dance (thrilling, huh?). Storyline aside, with Freed at the controls we’re guaranteed an earful of good ’ol r’n’r! Here we get Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers whose track I’m Not a Juvenile Delinquent was written for the film, a debut film role for Chuck Berry who introduces his infamous duckwalk, LaVern Baker, the Flamingos, the Moonglows and the Johnny Burnette Trio.
Shake Rattle And Rock (1956)
Director Edward L. Cahn
Starring Mike Connors, Lisa Gaye, Sterling Holloway, Douglass Dumbrille
It was ‘Rock and Roll vs. the Squares’ for AIP’s cheap teen exploitation film. Following a familiar storyline of the period, Shake Rattle And Rock pits the disapproving adults against the kids and, of course, rock’n’roll. Starring Mike Connors as Garry Nelson, a DJ whose big plans for a new rock and roll club face opposition from the town’s elders, who think it’ll cause juvenile delinquency. Rock and roll even goes up in the dock in a televised trial! It’s full of top jitterbug footage and rockin’ music from the inimitable Fats Domino, Big Joe Turner, Tommy Charles and Annita Ray.
Sing Boy Sing (1958)
Director Henry Ephron
Starring Tommy Sands, Lili Gentle, Edmond O’Brien, Nick Adams
Loosely based on the Elvis story, Sing Boy Sing stars Tommy Sands as a preacher’s son who rises quickly to become a rock and roll star with help from a conniving agent while struggling with his Christian background along the way. Elvis apparently turned down the role, and despite reports that his manager Colonel Parker (who also used to look after Sands) suggested Sands for the role, both Parker and Elvis were reportedly unhappy with the release of the film. Sands, who later married Nancy Sinatra, was a bona fide singing star already and here he’s backed by a full-scale big band.
The Big Beat (1958)
Director Will Cowan
Starring William Reynolds, Andra Martin, Gogi Grant, Jeffrey Stone
Filmed in colour, The Big Beat tells the tale of a young college student who wants his record label boss father to sign rock and roll artists and ends up starting a subsidiary label on the quiet. Although a little slow, this movie features a cracking lineup of rock and roll and doo-wop including the Mills Brothers, the Four Aces, Count Basie, the Diamonds and a rollicking performance of the title track from Fats Domino. There’s a comedic edge too supplied by Rose Marie and Hans Conried. Despite bad reviews at the time, we think it’s worth a look!
The Girl Can’t Help It (1956)
Director Frank Tashlin
Starring Tom Ewell, Jayne Mansfield, Edmond O’Brien, Julie London
One of the best-known rock’n’roll stories on celluloid, this is the story of a mobster who hires a heavy-drinking press agent to transform his talentless girlfriend into a famous singer in just six weeks so that he can live the high life again. This cleverly-written musical comedy isn’t solely a platform for the music, though, as there are some big names and big hits in amongst the action. Highlights include Mansfield’s jaw-dropping entrance, Julie London’s seductive rendition of Cry Me A River and Eddie Cochran’s fantastic performance of Twenty Flight Rock. A real shindig!
Untamed Youth (1957)
Director Howard W Koch
Starring Mamie Van Doren, Lori Nelson, John Russell, Don Burnett
Two sisters get arrested while hitchhiking and are sent to a prison farm that just happens to be full of rock and rollers! With a back-breaking sentence of cotton picking this chorus of hepcats keeps their spirits up via the medium of rock and roll, and there’s plenty of singing and dancing to be enjoyed. A reviewer at the time wrote that Mamie Van Dorens alone was ‘guaranteed to keep any red-blooded male American boy awake’, and who are we to argue? This film has gradually evolved to become a cult classic and features top performances from Eddie Cochran and The Hollywood Rock and Rollers too.
Featured Image Credit: Aleutie/iStock
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