Monday 14 April 2014

Freeview film of the day : monday 14th of April

(with apologies for the short notice)

Bye Bye Birdie (1963 110min.) [BBC2 12.25pm]

Musical comedy starring Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret. The last performance by pop idol Conrad Birdie before he enters the army is to take place in the town of Sweet Apple, Iowa. While local songwriter Albert Peterson tries to get Birdie to record one of his songs, young fan Kim McAfee is equally determined to meet him.

Fans of the TV series Mad Men will be familiar with the superb opening and closing sequence, featuring Ann-Margaret on a travelator, which played an important part in the story arc of one the show's original characters.

The film itself is a lively, infectious adaptation of a hit Broadway show - a satire on the teen idol phenomenon that had recently swept across the United States, with specific reference to Elvis' stint in the army.

There's some great songs, Dick Van Dyke is entertaining as the Col. Tom Parker style promoter and the young Ann-Margaret is an absolute joy as Kim, a bundle of energy and sunshine.

Huge fun from a simpler time directed with care by George Sidney whose CV also includes the classic Anchors Aweigh (1945).

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