Don't Knock the Twist is a 1962 comedy musical film starring Lang Jeffries, directed by Oscar Rudolph and produced by Sam Katzman for release by Columbia Pictures. It is a sequel to the 1961 film Twist Around the Clock, featuring musical artists including Chubby Checker.
Plot summary
A large group of twist dancers meet in preparation for a television variety show called The Twist. While the program is still in its production stages, jealousy leads to problems.
Cast
Chubby Checker as Chubby Checker
Gene Chandler as the Duke of Earl
Vic Dana as Vic Dana
Linda Scott as Linda Scott
The Dovells as the Dovells
Len Barry as Len Barry (of the Dovells) Mike Dennis as Mike Dennis (of the Dovells) Arnie Satin as Arnie Satin (of the Dovells) Jerry Summers as Jerry Summers (of the Dovells) The Carroll Brothers as the Carroll Brothers Lang Jeffries as Ted Haver Mari Blanchard as Dulcie Corbin Georgine Darcy as Madge Albright Stephen Preston as Billy Albright
Critical reception
In their review of the film for Turner Classic Movies, critic John M. Miller wrote that "No matter how trite or inconsequential the plot, every Katzman-produced exploitation musical is invaluable for capturing obscure recording artists of the era in their prime," noting that the "slick pop numbers [of Dana and Scott] serve as a reminder that many of the chart toppers of the period were soon forgotten," and that the film "is also one of those Rock movies that emphasize the importance of adults' acceptance of their kids' fads and tastes." A review of the film in TV Guide reported that it features "a silly story about preparations for a TV special on the twist and efforts to help a summer camp for orphans; in other words, a way to segue between a dozen musical numbers of varying quality."
Music
Live performances in the film
"Don't Knock the Twist" - Chubby Checker
"Duke of Earl" - Gene Chandler
"Slow Twistin'" - Chubby Checker & Dee Dee Sharp
"Yessiree" - Linda Scott
"Little Altar Boy" - Vic Dana
"The Fly" - Chubby Checker
"Do the New Continental" - The Dovells
"Hey! Bo Diddley" - The Carroll Brothers
"Mashed Potato Time" - Dee Dee Sharp
"Bristol Stomp" - The Dovells
Soundtrack
"Twistin'" (Mann-Appell) 2:08
"Bristol Stomp" (Mann-Appell) 2:18
"La Paloma Twist" (Kal Mann) 2:32
"Mashed Potato Time" (Sheldon-Land) 2:27
"Bo Diddley" (Bo Diddley) 3:05 (misspelled "Diddely" on cover and label) "I Love to Twist" (Mann-Lowe) 2:40 "Don't Knock the Twist" (Mann-Appell) 2:17 "Salome Twist" (Karger-Kent) 1:38 "The Fly" (John Madara/David White) 2:27 "Smashed Potatoes" (Sheldon-Leon) 2:27 "Slow Twistin'" (Jon Sheldon) 2:31
References
External links
Don't Knock The Twist at Turner Classic Movies
1962 musical comedy films
1962 films
American black-and-white films
1962 romantic comedy films
American musical comedy films
Twist (dance) Columbia Pictures films 1960s romantic musical films 1960s English-language films 1960s American films