SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES 004: THAT'LL BE THE DAY (1973)

  

"That'll Be The Day" effectively evokes late 1950s Britain. It focuses on the rites of passage of its shiftless young protagonist rather than on adult manipulators as depicted in earlier pop films such as "Expresso Bongo". The film recreates the period with telling details: the radio plays Robert Farnon, and "Take Your Pick" (ITV, 1955-68) is on television. Though there is a very obvious and insulting mistake when Jim Maclaine (David Essex) finally gets the opportunity to listen to Buddy Holly's record, who he himself confesses has been waiting weeks to hear. And when we are, as spectators, expecting to hear the unmistakable sounds of Buddy Holly and his crew: The Crickets, our ears confuse our brain by hearing: "Donna" by Ritchie Valens! 

Change is in the air. The energy of the fairground and rock and roll are contrasted with restraint and conformity, promoted by religion (a religious service is heard on Mrs MacLain's radio). The contrast between a tamed middle-class and untamed working-class youth is depicted through their respective music, trad jazz and rock 'n' roll (tellingly, the holiday camp judging panel for a jive contest includes a vicar, presumably to ensure decorum). Rock 'n' Roll supplies raw energy and suggests no such restraint. 

The film honestly chronicles Jim's sexual encounters in this pre-pill era. Jim thinks only of himself and instant gratification, and the girls, though willing, associate sex with guilt and shame - twice Jim's partners beg him "you won't tell anyone, will you?", and it is surely no coincidence that two of his sexual exploits are interrupted by the moral rejoinder of screaming babies. 

Ray Connolly's screenplay cleverly references the early 1960s British New Wave: a fairground beating up recalls "Saturday Night And Sunday Morning" (1960), while a dying grandfather evokes "Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner" (1962). And external film references abound: "The Duke Wore Jeans" (1958) at the Ritz and a visit to see "Horrors Of The Black Museum" (1959). 

Directed by Claude Whatham, fresh from Granada TV, this is one of the best British films of the 1970s. Rosemary Leach was BAFTA nominated (Best Supporting Actress) and David Essex (BAFTA nomination Newcomer) achieved film stardom. The settings (whether domestic, fairground or holiday camp), vividly captured by cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, are real and convincing, and the performances are true, conveying a sense of lives as actually lived. 

Before we wrap up this film review, let's remember that it's a great, appealing opportunity to watch, on the big screen (I'm sure you got one of those!) recognizable names such as Ringo Starr, Billy Fury and Keith Moon. 

But before we get to the main feature, let's enjoy... 

The Pre-Show: 

               

First up, the Spanish Ann Margret, Rocío Dúrcal. She was the forerunner of the so called Spanish ye-yé girl groups of the sixties. We get the opportunity to witness her potential through nine magnificent songs which reflect the 60s in Spain, all merged together in the style you are already accustomed to in Shade's Vintage Radio. 

Next, a short documentary portraying, with some of the main protagonists of the era, the initial moments of Elvis Presley as a teenager and his first encounter with Sun Records. 

Which leads us to our third special of today, which will continue in the following weeks. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to watch the CMT series: Sun Records, this is your chance, and for those who have, what a better excuse to go at it again! Today we offer chapter one of Sun Records. 

Finally one of my favourite chefs and a song that, at least, is foot tapping contagious. You'll get my meaning the minute you press: Play. 

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The Main Feature: 

Title: That'll Be The Day 

Director: Claude Whatham 

Cast: David Essex / Rosemary Leach / Ringo Starr / Billy Fury / Keith Moon 

Release Date: 12th April 1973 

Country: United Kingdom 

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On Your Way Out: 

And we're on our way out. This is the fourth installment concerning our film section: Saturday Night At The Movies, here at Shade's Vintage Radio. A month has fled past! My, how time flies! I sincerely hope you are enjoying every one of them. It is done with much hard work and stacks of love! Don't forget to grab whatever goodies is handed to you before leaving, so as to remember today's experience. 

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