Moax429
I remember as a youngster my folks had the soundtrack album of "Don't Knock the Twist," and they played it many times on their stereo whenever they had parties (that album was my introduction to the Dovells' hit "Bristol Stomp" and Dee Dee Sharp's "Mashed Potato Time"). When I was 8 years old in 1970 and got my first record player as a birthday present, my folks bequeathed the album to me (they seemed to prefer Country music more than Pop by then - sad!); in early 1972, however, I accidentally destroyed that copy of "Don't Knock the Twist," and could never find it again (especially since by that time Cameo/Parkway Records ceased to exist). That is, until recently, when I found a pristine copy of the album at a local record meet; it was such a treat to hear all those old songs again, especially "Mashed Potato Time" (I recently purchased a new, deluxe turntable - the kind DJs use in clubs - for my stereo system).I had never seen the movie of "Don't Knock the Twist;" what was especially tantalizing was a passage in the liner notes on the album's back cover which stated, "....it wouldn't be fair to reveal the plot." (I had seen its prequel, "Twist Around the Clock," on television a few times, however.) That is, until a few weeks ago.I had heard unconfirmed rumors that Sony Pictures Entertainment, whose Columbia Pictures division originally released "Don't Knock the Twist," didn't renew the copyrights on this film or "Twist Around the Clock," and that these films were in the public domain.WRONG! Sony STILL DOES own the rights to these films, and a few months ago they put them on DVD in a 2-disc set!When I saw the poster in the upper left corner of this page (the cover of the DVD box), I went over to Sony Pictures' website to see if that DVD set was still available; although it wasn't listed on Sony's website, I went to a local Border's bookshop, who confirmed "Don't Knock the Twist" on DVD WAS indeed available, so I ordered a copy.Surprise! The movie was every bit as good as the album, and at times a little funnier than "Twist Around the Clock!" It's beyond me why "Don't Knock the Twist" hasn't ever turned up on television. Maybe it was because of the "Salome" subplot? (That would certainly be considered tame by today's standards; if this film was shown on TV now it'd most likely be rated TV-PG.) But even better than the story itself was the music; it was also enjoyable hearing Linda Scott's hit "Yessirree," Vic Dana's "Little Altar Boy," and especially Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl," none of which appeared on the soundtrack album (most likely because Ms. Scott recorded for Kapp, Dana for Liberty, and Chandler for Vee Jay, respectively, and since the soundtrack was on Cameo/Parkway, those other labels apparently didn't want to lease the masters of those hits to Cameo/Parkway). And now some of what I saw and heard in the movie makes sense whenever I hear the soundtrack album again (except for the Carroll Brothers' version of "Bo Diddley;" that patter heard at the beginning of the track was deleted in the film, so I still have no idea what that intro was all about).Best of all, now I don't have to wonder "Why hasn't 'Don't Knock the Twist' ever been shown on TV, and when will it ever turn up?" I can enjoy this film, as well as "Twist Around the Clock," again any time I want!So thanks a lot, Sony!I also discovered ABKCO Records and Music now owns the rights to the Cameo/Parkway Records backlog, and that they recently began releasing some "best of" CDs by Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, The Orlons, Dee Dee Sharp, etc., all of which are the long, sought-after original recordings. I can only hope ABKCO will consider re-releasing the "Don't Knock the Twist" soundtrack album on CD, too!
Michael O'Keefe
You can tell right away that this is a quickie to join the parade of "twist" theme movies. A TV executive (Lang Jeffries)is trying to put together a TV special a couple weeks ahead of a competing station. He just happens to call on Chubby Checker to come to his rescue. Chubby wrangles Gene Chandler, Vic Dana, Linda Scott and the Dovells to appear. The spotlight ends up on a young dancer(Georgine Darcy).Plenty of shimmy shakin' goin' on. Of course the talent, excluding Checker of course, are barely one hit wonders. Very little depth to the plot, but watching again will bring back some memories.Also in the cast are Mari Blanchard, Stephen Preston and Nydia Westman.
Lang Jr
Ted Haver (Lang Jeffries) is a harried TV exec who must orchestrate an epic "Twist Spectacular" to beat the competing broadcast network. Lang recruits Chubby Checker and other "top talent" like the Linda Scott. He also discovers -- via a Peeping Tom session -- neighborhood "teen" Madge and her "brother" doing the wildest Twist steps, and he convinces her to be in the show ("I'll do it for the Orphans!") Lang's gal pal, Dulcey Corbin, gets jealous of Madge and uses her latest "Twist" fashions to stir up controversy. Film Highlight: Nightclub revelers demonstrate piety during Vic Dana's somber rendition of "Little Altar Boy".
