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(More customer reviews)Released in 1959, GO, JOHNNY, GO! is a musical time capsule. While the acting and plot leave something to be desired, the film is still worth checking out for it's performances of the artists featured. The film stars the legendary ALAN FREED who's looking for his next big act. JIMMY CLANTON co-stars as the act FREED is trying to find. Jimmy sings several songs as does CHUCK BERRY, who makes his acting debut in the film. Intercut throughout the film are musical performances by some of rock n' rolls biggest hitmakers at the time. While this was the standard practise for these films (eg. Rock Around The Clock, Don't Knock The Rock, Rock! Rock! Rock!, Mr. Rock And Roll)(having artists lip synche their latest recording)these films are often the only footage in existance, of these artists in their prime. GO, JOHNNY, GO! features several memorable performances. JIMMY CLANTON, SANDY STEWART, JO ANN CAMPBELL, THE CADILLACS, and THE FLAMINGOS all give memorable performances but the standout performances by the other legendary stars makes this film unique. CHUCK BERRY not only acts in the film but performs his classic "Memphis Tennessee". EDDIE COCHRAN is seen in one his few performance clips. RITCHIE VALENS is seen performing "Ooh My Head" in what was his only movie performance. Within a few months time Valens would be killed in a plane crash along with BUDDY HOLLY and JP "THE BIG BOPPER" RICHARDSON. Also appearing was the talented HARVEY FUQUA of THE MOONGLOWS performing "Don't Be Afraid To Love". By the time of this film the original Moonglows had dibanded and Harvey would start recording with his "New" Moonglows group which included young MARVIN GAYE. Harvey gives an exciting performance in the film. He seems to glide across the floor not much unlike Mr. Excitement, JACKIE WILSON, who performs his self penned #1 R&B hit "You Better Know It". Wilson gives a performance that only gives us a glimpse at how great a performer he was. Unfortunately Jackie would only appear in one other film during his career, 1961's TEENAGE MILLIONARE. Which also starred JIMMY CLANTON. So do see the film not for the plot but for these rare performances.
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