ROCK 'N' ROLL REVUE

Cinemavixion Review

Joseph Kohn's "Rock 'n' Roll Revue" from 1955 emerges as a vibrant, albeit occasionally jazz-inflected, time capsule of early rock and roll. Compiled from television shorts for theatrical release, the film's primary strength lies in its electrifying performances by music legends. Duke Ellington, Nat "King" Cole, Dinah Washington, and "Big" Joe Turner deliver knockout sets, showcasing the raw energy of the era. The Clovers, in particular, are a standout, offering a memorable rendition of "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash." While the film might lean more towards jazz than some might expect from its title, it remains an exciting and historically significant document of popular music's evolution, offering a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in sound and performance.