Idol on Parade

Former child star Anthony Newley found his career took quite a different path once he was cast as 'Jeep Jackson' in this fun pop musical.

'Jeep' is a rising star who is drafted into the Army and spends the rest of the time trying to avoid being an 'Idol on Parade' (the original UK title was 'Idle on Parade' but either suits the subject matter perfectly). His sergeant is played by American import William Bendix (as Irish), while another 'Private Jackson' is played by comedy stooge Bernie Winters (who appeared a lot with Newley in other films and TV shows).

The best bits of the film though are the songs, the title itself, 'I've Waited So Long', and 'Saturday Night'. These make the film a feel-good romp, especially so for Newley fans - he shines in this without over-dominating the screen as he would in future years. Following 'Idol on Parade' Newley would appear in 'Jazzboat', 'The Small World of Sammy Lee', 'The Strange World of Gurney Slade' (for TV), and 'Sweet November'.

Following his pop career success in the 60s Newley moved into writing musicals and eventually appearing in cabaret shows. In many ways he became a sell-out, joke version of his earlier self, but if you want to see Newley in embryo, with evidence of how talented he was, see 'Gurney Slade' and see 'Idol on Parade'. Wonderful stuff.

The whole genre of films concerning national service reached their zenith with films such as 'Carry on Sergeant' - a genuinely funny attempt to portray army life for the new unwilling recruits - and then there was the long running TV series, 'The Army Game.' However, by the time 'Idol on Parade' came along, this vein of humour was already drying up! Watching it seemed like hard work, with the usual painful jokes about new raw army conscripts and their relationships with the stereotypical noisy, bullying sergeant, played by the burly American actor William Bendix, who for the sake of authenticity plays the part as an Irishman, but his accent and bluster doesn't really convince. Just for good measure you had the 'silly arse' posh, chinless wonder officer played by Lionel Jeffries, whose efforts to be permanently exasperated become tiresome and an irritant. The other problem is the age of the actors. David Lodge looks middle aged as does Bendix. As for the star of the film, Anthony Newley, he looks far from being being a fresh faced young man in his late teens and more like someone in his early 30's. The songs are only 'so so' with Newley looking like a crooner rather than an edgy and rebellious rock idol who will ignite the passions of teenage pop fans. The film tries too hard to be funny and the scenes are too contrived. The ending of national service a few years later mercifully marked the end of this genre of film.

Early appearance by Clive Dunn. Plays a reporter early in the film. Uncredited.

Although based upon a book by William Camp, this Albert Broccoli-produced service comedy seems to trail on the tail-end of the real-life Elvis Presley induction story. There's confusion within the British Army when a pop singing star is called upon for service, creating havoc within the ranks; seems the idol's managers don't want their client's fame to fade, smuggling him out of the barracks at different intervals to perform or record new songs. This must be the most relaxed Army Regiment on film! William Bendix gives the best performance as a blow hard sergeant with a soft spot, but Anthony Newley is improbably cast in the leading role. Newley's cabaret mannerisms were just starting to form at this time, and though he performs his song numbers smoothly, he isn't the dynamic powerhouse of Elvis (nor, indeed, any of Elvis' general competition of this era). Newley is actually the antithesis of rock 'n roll, however he does handle the comedy routines with charm and there are some amusing bits and pieces. ** from ****

This film has never to my knowledge been available officially on video or DVD and it's a film that has stayed in my mind for years as one of those I always wanted to see again. Well, the opportunity arose recently and I was transported back 48 years or so ago to my local Odeon where I first saw it. It doesn't disappoint and though somewhat dated it still makes me chuckle and the songs are not bad either. The film has a feel good factor and has a plethora of well known British actors of the time including David Lodge, Harry Fowler, Lionel Jeffries and the lovely Anne Aubrey. The token American role is given to William Bendix who is very convincing as an Irish Sergeant Major. The star role is of course the likable Anthony Newley who went on to become a big success in the States as well as the UK and many people of my age group would like to have a DVD of this film, but perhaps they're waiting till we're all dead before they release it!