Studiocanal has released a Blu-ray edition of the classic Cliff Richard musical comedy from 1961 titled “The Young Ones”, this film was on the cusp of the British music invasion worldwide.
Icon Cliff Richard stars as Nicky Black, the leader of a London youth club who takes on the might of big business in a battle to save their dilapidated club premises from demolition. Unknown to Nicky’s friends, the head of the property company that’s pitted against them is Nicky’s own father, who has no sympathy with his son’s plight. To raise funds, members of the club stage a musical show, with Nicky as the star, in hopes they can save their club before it’s too late.
Directed by Sidney J. Furie (who would go on to direct The Ipcress File), written by Ronald Cass and Peter Myers who helped write the songs also. The gorgeous cinematography is by Elstree veteran, Douglas Slocombe, who would go on to Hollywood to shoot among others, The Lion in Winter (1968)
Taking its ethos and plot from the Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musicals of the late 1930s, the youth against the adults still rings true. What helps with the film is the winning choreography by Herbert Ross (the talent on this film is ridiculous for a throwaway young adult film) along with the songs led by the title number which would be a UK No.1 for six weeks and remains one of Richards’ biggest and best known hits.
A great vehicle, features The Shadows (Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, Jet Harris, Tony Meehan) as Nicky’s backing group – this film serves as a springboard for the majority of people within it. Supporting players include the distinctive Robert Morley (as Nicky’s entrepreuneur father), Richard O’Sullivan (1970s UK sitcom star) and Melvyn Hayes.
A real treat to dive into this just before going on a Summer Holiday
UK Blu-Ray premiere & DVD on 29th June. Purchase here:
My thanks to Studiocanal for the review opportunity.
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