The episode was sponsored by Santa Monica Brew Works. Their 310 California Blonde Ale seemed like a no-brainer to pair with Jayne Mansfield.
Honestly, you’re going to watch this movie for one of two reasons: you’re a fan of rock & roll history, or you’re a Jayne Mansfield fan.
The plot is ridiculous and strictly used as a device to showcase the next band number or to make a cartoonish joke regarding Jayne Mansfield’s figure. Although, I did feel that Frank Tashlin was trying to put some subversive comments regarding modern music and the concept of style over substance. But, maybe it was the beer causing this deep thinking.
Michael and I were both happy to see Edmon O’Brien. We became fans after his performance in Ida Lupino’s The Hitch-Hiker (1953). However, his comedic song “Rock Around the Rockpile” drove Michael crazy.
The musicians and bands in the movie, and the movie itself, had an influence on the Beatles. So, just for that bit of trivia, it is worth checking out the movie.
Also, the movie had Julie London sing “Cry Me a River”, one of my favorite songs.
Performances:
• "The Girl Can't Help It" – Little Richard
• "Tempo's Tempo" – Nino Tempo
• "My Idea of Love" – Johnny Olenn
• "I Ain't Gonna Cry No More" – Johnny Olenn
• "Ready Teddy" – Little Richard
• "She's Got It" – Little Richard
• "Cool It Baby" – Eddie Fontaine
• "Cinnamon Sinner" – Teddy Randazzo and the Three Chuckles
• "Spread the Word" – Abbey Lincoln
• "Cry Me a River" – Julie London
• "Be-Bop-A-Lula" – Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps
• "Twenty Flight Rock" – Eddie Cochran
• "Rock Around the Rockpile" – Edmond O'Brien; Ray Anthony and his Orchestra
• "Rockin' Is Our Business" – The Treniers
• "Big Band Boogie" – Ray Anthony and his Orchestra
• "Blue Monday" – Fats Domino
• "You'll Never, Never Know" – The Platters
• "Ev'ry Time (It Happens)" – Jayne Mansfield (dubbed by Eileen Wilson)
Overall, knowing Frank Tashlin’s career started in cartoons. We both had the impression this was a live-action cartoon.
Watch the movie for the music.
Intro music for this episode is a mix of (1) Turn on The Funk (Story Blocks Audio subscription), (2) sample 1961’s The Phantom Planet [in the public domain], and (3) sample 1968’s Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women [in the public domain]. Outro Rockabilly Shakes
by Sleeping Ghost (Story Blocks Audio subscription)
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