It’s Trad, Dad! *** (1962, Helen Shapiro, Craig Douglas, John Leyton) – Classic Movie Review 11,962

Director Richard Lester’s first feature film It’s Trad, Dad! (1962) is an iconic British musical comedy featuring performances by a variety of jazz bands and rock-‘n-roll singers. It is a nostalgist’s feast. The line-up of the pop and jazz music talent of the era is extraordinary.

The film is written and produced by Milton Subotsky, and was one of the first produced by Amicus Productions, known for horror films.

It was known in the US as Ring-A-Ding Rhythm.

The film is mostly musical numbers, including performances by stars Helen Shapiro and Craig Douglas, as well as popular acts from the UK and US. The songs have little to do with the plot.

Teenagers Craig (Craig Douglas) and Helen (Helen Shapiro, just 15) and their buddies enjoy the latest trend of traditional jazz, and try to find a disc jockey and organise a show to popularise the music.

The cast are Helen Shapiro, Craig Douglas, John Leyton, The Brook Brothers, Chubby Checker, Del Shannon, Gary U.S. Bonds, Gene Vincent, Gene McDaniels, The Paris Sisters (as Paris Sisters), The Dukes of Dixieland, Chris Barber’s Jazz Band with Ottilie Patterson, Acker Bilk and His Paramount Jazz Band, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, Bob Wallis and his Storyville Jazzmen, Terry Lightfoot and his New Orleans Jazz Band, The Temperance Seven, Sounds Incorporated, David Jacobs, Pete Murray, Alan Freeman, Felix Felton as Mayor, Arthur Mullard as Police Chief, and Deryck Guyler as Narrator.

© Derek Winnert 2022 Classic Movie Review 11,962

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