Directed by: Gene Nelson
Starring: Roddy Mcdowall, Debbie Watson, Gil Peterson, Phil Harris, Robert Coote, Nita Talbot,George Furth, Mrs. Miller, The Bantams, Glen Campbell, The Leaves, T.J. And The Fourmations
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 110 minutes
Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoy the musical genres, just as much as the new person. This isn’t really a musical more a film based in the music world. I feel that the film is really aged and although this entertaining was a bit of struggle to get through. Roddy McDowall co-starring in this film was a real draw for me but he wasn’t really front and center enough for me to really dig it. But the music in the film was easily enough to make this film at least watchable including classic tracks like “This Town”.
Like in the past though, Warner Archive does not disappoint the the newly restored transfer of this film. It is presented in its original aspect ration of 2:40.1 and in 16X9 widescreen letterbox. The audio in the film works well with the music scenes with its Dolby Mono track. Fans of 60’s music films should definitely check this out, worth at least one watch. The only special features included on this release is just the trailer for the film.
Synopsis: Hey, you! Wanna catch the L.A. garage band that first recorded the oft-covered rock essential “Hey Joe?” That would be the Leaves, seen here in a performance of “In the House of Dr. Stone.” The Cool Ones has more cool musical stuff, too. Like Glen Campbell on his way to country/pop renown. Plus “This Town,” the song composed by Lee Hazlewood (the film’s music supervisor) that would become a Frank Sinatra staple. And the quirky song styling of mid-’60s camp sensation Mrs. Miller. The film’s story spoofs the music industry as it unwinds its loopy tale of a rock kingmaker (Roddy McDowall) and the girl-boy singing duo he plans to rocket to the top of the charts by making them everyone’s favorite romantic pair. Tammy TV and film star Debbie Watson plays the duo’s starry-eyed ex-go-go dancer, and Gil Peterson portrays the handsome crooner whose career had been flatlining. Look for uncredited Teri Garr (Young Frankenstein).