Al compás del twist

TCM showed a marathon of rock n' roll movies on January 31, 2007 and I taped the entire 12-hour run. I really enjoyed "Rock Around the Clock" (1956). It was energetic and fun, with plenty of good music.

Then I started watching the next feature, "Twist Around the Clock" (1961).

I expected the two films to be similar -- but I was flabbergasted when I realized that "Twist" was filmed using exactly the same script as "Rock"! The plot elements were copied perfectly, scene-for-scene. In fact, the dialog was even the same – word-for-word – throughout both movies!

Watching these two films back-to-back is like a trip to the Twilight Zone -- a perfect example of parallel universes.

When Chubby Checker performs, he has an energy that is almost as electric as Elvis. Dion's writing talents are showcased also. Beyond that, Twist Around the Clock is only interesting as a comedy.

You've got older management-types speaking some real hep lines that someone has written for them. While The Twist is being performed onstage, you can see the middle-class, sedate audience sitting like statues. Seriously, no one is even tapping a foot.

Finally, dig those bogus songs that are performed by Vicki Spencer. The lyrics are laughable. Really, much of this movie is laughable, and I received some enjoyment viewing it on that level.

If I had never seen "Rock Around the Clock", this movie might be a little easier to take. You see, the producers didn't even bother to write a script; they just copied the one used for "Rock Around the Clock" some years earlier. If that wasn't bad enough, "Twist" pales in every comparison to the original. Horrible acting and mediocre songs are all over this film. It's only two bright spots are the appearances of Chubby Checker and Dion. And who ever told Clay Cole he could sing? Forget this one.

Rock and Roll in America was dead, and this movie proves it. Twist Around the Clock has none of the energy and sheer, raw brilliance of it's 1950s predecessors. Fortunately, the British invasion was on it's way. Crazy Daddy!

I really enjoyed TWIST AROUND THE CLOCK as a genuinely snazzy low budget 1961 dance pic with a roster of (still) very well known songs. Other comments will tell you how identical it is to ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK (it certainly is) but for me that did not diminish any of the delight. I am quite fascinated by Vicki Spencer who I see only made one other film TEENAGE MILLIONAIRE. What happened to her? In TWIST she is almost everything Ann-Margret is a year later in BYE BYE BIRDIE... even in her gorgeous looks. Dion I had never seen but knew the songs well (The Wanderer, Runaround Sue) ... he is certainly the iconic 60s nightclub star in the Bobby Darin style. I found the script hilarious. It is actually funny with some great sly comments... especially between the father and daughter nemeses... Chubby Checker is his dynamite fun self... I also thought he was very handsome in this film, given I guess he was in his mid 20s, something I had never observed... perhaps that is because I am used to seeing later years material when he looks good, but here, younger he is certainly compelling. TWIST is enormous musical fun and for kids to enjoy because they could actually dance along with it. My DVD is a Canadian reprint with new titles over the original Katzman/Columbia 35mm release... the body of the film is the same as the original film. I had such a good time watching this film... I really laughed with it and thought the songs terrific... and then there is the dance team fun.... and The incredible Marcels to top it off.