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Radio DJ and rock'n'roll promoter Alan Freed has started a talent
search for his next superstar he has already named, Johnny Melody. Young
Johnny (Jimmy Clanton), an orphan and very gifted singer who has just been
thrown out of the church choir for singing rock'n'roll, knows this is his
big chance, so he spends all his money on creating a demo (and almost
loses the love of his life, Julie [Sandy Stewart], in the process) - but
is so sure of himself that he doesn't even put his real name, address or
phone number on the record. Now Freed, his press secretary, and Chuck
Berry really like Johnny's recording, but can't get hold of him, and when
Johnny calls Freed, he's out - which Johnny interprets as rejection - and
he gets even more enraged when he almost gets to speak to him but misses
him again at a club. With his chance gone (or so he thinks), Johnny has
only Julie to fall back on - but now he needs a Christmas present for her,
but with all his money invested in a(n in his eyes) worthless demo, he has
to find other, less legal means to get her something nice ... Ok,
this is not exactly a film that ranks very high in the originality
department, and I'm pretty sure (though without proof) it hasn't won any
awards for its screenplay, as the plot's at best paper-thin, filled with
clichées, and mainly serves as a hanger for as many then popular musical
acts as possible while showcasing now legendary Alan Freed (who at least
plays his part with a hint of self irony) as the top music promoter of his
era. That said, Go, Johnny, Go! is at the same time a near perfect
time machine that readily introduces today's audience to yesteryear's
youth culture (even if seen through the eyes of slightly conservative
adults) while featuring some pretty cool performances from some pretty
cool contemporary acts. In all, great fun, fifties' style!
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