Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301285414
Format: Black & White
ISBN: 6301285417
Label: Chromatic Records
Manufacturer: Chromatic Records
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Chromatic Records
Release Date: 1991-07-01
Running Time: 59
Studio: Chromatic Records

Customer Rating:
Summary: Hangs close to the subject
Comment: I also teach a Rock History class and use this as an overview. The footage is vintage, although I have much of the same from other sources. It really is a shame that the Little Richard footage everyone uses comes from "The Girl Can't Help It" because he must have kicked some ass live and we don't get to see it.
You are led through the evolution of early Rock and Roll (not Rock) by the year and the film seems to pick Chuck Berry as the main thread. The footage of Fabian singing near the end is the best I have seen for explaining a Teen Idol, and Pat Boone gets the drubbing he deserves. John Heard is the narrator, which is cool.
This is good for what it sets out to do: to reinforce the rhythm and blues origins of this music and the arrogance and malice of the musical powers of the day such as Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan. These guys wouldn't have recognized the blues if they fell in it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The best Rock & Roll documentary I've ever seen.
Comment: I teach a college level survey of rock history course and this video is the best Rock & Roll documentary I've ever seen. In one hour this documentary efficiently and effectively summarizes the development of Rock & Roll including the musical, social and even racial dimensions. This video is especially valuable because it includes clips of virtually everyone who is significant in the development of early Rock & Roll. It's a shame that this title is out of print at this time. It is a very useful tool for anyone who wants a mini Rock and Roll history in one hour.

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