It's Trad Dad! [1962] [DVD]

Richard Lester had already worked with the anarchic Goons on TV (A Show Called Fred) and on film (the 1959 short The Running Jumping and Standing Still Film) and thus was no stranger to madcap mayhem. This flair was on show in this film (also known as Ring-a-Ding Rhythm). It's a light-hearted musical romp with the simple message that rock 'n' roll is good for you. Soulful voiced Helen Shapiro and clean-cut Craig Douglas star as a couple of kids trying to mount a music show, despite protests from the pompous, "square" mayor. Among the acts featured are rock 'n' roller Chubby Checker and teen idol Del Shannon. The artful mix of music and zany comedy was an indicator of what was to come for Lester when he teamed up with the Beatles for A Hard Day's Night.