Musical Monday: Rock n’ Roll Revue (1955)

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It’s no secret that the Hollywood Comet loves musicals.
In 2010, I revealed I had seen 400 movie musicals over the course of eight years. Now that number is over 600. To celebrate and share this musical love, here is my weekly feature about musicals.

This week’s musical:
Rock n’ Roll Revue (1955) – Musical #834

Studio:
Studio Films Inc.

Director:
Joseph Kohn

Starring:
Host: Willie Bryant
As themselves: Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, Larry Darnell, Cholly Atkins and
Charles ‘Honi’ Coles (billed as Cole & Atkins), The Clovers, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Big Joe Turner

Plot:
A musical review of the top performers of the time.

Trivia:
• Not everyone listed on the poster is in the cast, including Lionel Hampton, Ruth Brown, Martha Davis, Delta Rhythm Boys.
• Part of a trio of musical revue films hosted by Willie Bryant. The other two films are Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955) and Basin Street Revue (1956).
• Went under the title Harlem Rock ‘n’ Roll in the UK.

Highlights:
• Cole and Atkins tap dancing
• Nat King Cole

Notable Songs:
• “The Mooche” performed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
• “What More Do You Want Me To Do” performed by Larry Darnell
• “Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash” performed by The Clovers
• “Only A Moment Ago” performed by Dinah Washington
• “The Trouble with Me Is You” performed by Nat King Cole
• “Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop” performed by Big Joe Turner

My review:
Some films don’t serve the purpose of providing a plot line, but showcasing top talent. ROCK N’ ROLL REVUE (1955) is part of a trio of films hosted by Willie Bryant where top musical acts perform.

Similar to films Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955) and Basin Street Revue (1956), ROCK N’ ROLL REVUE runs at approximately one hour and is filled with musical acts and a few skit.

We have have the privilege of seeing wonderful performances by Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington. I wasn’t familiar with Larry Darnell, but I loved his song “Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash.”

This is truly presented like a variety show in film form. But it’s a wonderful way to attend a concert without leaving your home.

While it’s not a “film” with a plot, it’s great to see some of the great musicals acts of the time.

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