#joseph kohn

[cinefiled]

Rock 'N' Roll Revue (1956)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue is compiled from made-for-television short films produced by Snader Telescriptions - basically films of performances of individual songs about 3 minutes long each - with newly filmed segments featuring Willie Bryant acting as a host tying them together as though they were performed in a theater on a single night. Audience reaction shots repeat. A lot.

All the numbers are good. The standouts are a couple of Duke Ellington Orchestra numbers and the only rock and roll number; "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash" by the Clovers.

Rock 'N' Roll Revue (1956) Director: Joseph Kohn

[cinefiled]

Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955)

Rhythm and Blues Revue is compiled from made-for-television short films produced by Snader Telescriptions - basically films of performances of individual songs or dance numbers about 3 minutes long each - with newly filmed segments featuring Willie Bryant acting as a host tying them together as though they were performed in a theater on a single night. Plus a few mediocre vaudevillian comedy bits. Audience reaction shots repeat. A lot.

The music's all pretty good. As are the dance numbers. Nothing especially remarkable, but it's enjoyable seeing and hearing these performances that aren't the 'cream of the crop' that stayed in public consciousness; especially seen this way, coming at you fast, one after another. There are a few hits included, like Big Joe Turner performing "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" and Cab Calloway performing "Minnie the Moocher."

It was fun seeing a young Lionel Hampton who, in his later years, hosted an annual jazz festival where I went to college. In the second number he fronts the band playing drums instead of his usual vibraphone.

Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955) Director: Joseph Kohn