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Rating:  - The movie that left a mark of frustration
If there is such a thing as a "love and hate" movie this must be it. A movie that attracted all young people all over the world, showing in cinemascope and stereo for the first time "rock and roll". The Platters, Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Fats Domino and more, "trying" to do their best, and I mean "trying" because they were interrupted and couldn't finish their songs. I still remember the feeling, I was 13 when I saw this one, and the moment I heard "be bop a lula" I was in ecstasy. An ecstasies that didn't last too long because it was interrupted by a stupid silly line from a stupid silly Marilyn bad imitation. A song that only lasts 2' 35". An ecstasis that soon became a fury, and yes I kicked a lot of empty seats and left the movie theatre in pure frustration. I always wonder if 20th century still has the cut material and could put it together just to make "The unfinished songs from "The girl can't help it"". Wouln't it be great if somebody comes with the idea of restoring all those legendary rock and roll performers singing their entire songs, instead of so many documentaries about the history of rock that abruptly interrupt the songs just when you are starting to enjoy them. For the music I gave it a 10 for the plot and the rest a 0, My total is 2 1/2.
Rating:  - Just Buy It!
This is a great trashy movie. It is long on sight gags, great music, and (for the 1050's) interesting cinematic techniques. The story is cool and amusing.
The best endorsement I can give this movie isn't my own; it was the Beatles favorite movie. In the "Anthology" Paul McCartney talks about how important this film was in the Beatles' formative years, and as a further point of interest, according to David Quantick in his magnificent study of The White Album, "Revolution: The Making of The Beatles' White Album," the band took a night off of setting the playing order of their greatest record to watch this film when it aired on TV in 1968.
What more endorsement do you need? The Beatles loved it and Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Eddie Cochran are in it. BUY THE BLOODY THING!
The only regret I have regarding the film is that it isn't in DVD format yet...
Rating: - Forget the Monroe Comparison
I saw this film while I was in high school and I have never forgotten it. Jayne Mansfield was beautiful and it's a shame she couldn't get past being a typical Monroe copy cat because she wasn't. She was smart, funny, and made any woman want to be like her at that time. Her presence was dynamic and Tom Ewell was hilarious as her counter-part in the film. It is by far the best film she made and what a joy to watch so many young talented rock'n'roll singers like Little Richard that exploded onto the screen with his awesome voice. If you like the 50's music and you like Jayne Mansfield then this is the film you should start with.
Rating: - A Live Action Rock n' Roll Cartoon!
This movie is a great, make that GREAT, musical-comedy!
It's a live-action cartoon (because Frank Tashilin, director of so many of Warner's "Looney Toones") directed it & it's a satire of the music industry.
It's also a great chance to see some early legends of rock n' roll, including Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, The Platters, Fats Domino, Little Richard, along with some other minor rockers including Eddie Fontaine, The Three Chuckles, as well as pop singer Julie London & jazz great Abbey Lincoln. Anyone who wishes to hear REAL rock 'n roll music from the '50's (NOT nostalgia musicals like "Grease") as well as to see these rockers in the prime of their youth as they were meant to be seen (not as old men past their musical prime like on those well-meaning, if misguided PBS specials), well...this movie is for you! (I missed out on the '50's, having been a teenager during the '80's, so this film is a fun, "educational" piece of Americana for me!)
If you like comedy, "The Girl Can't Help It" delivers. It's not only a good pop-culture satire, but it's risque' sex-humor manages laughs without outright vulgarity. (Today's comedy writers could learn from this 46 year-old gem.)
And what words can bring justice to the incredibly gorgeous Jayne Mansfield? "Va-va-va-voom!"
Rating: - A very great Film: The Live Performers are Excellent ! *****
This film takes you back to a time you have lived in before or wished you had. The groups and performers in this film are simply outstanding * Little Richard is at his all time best !! He may have never looked any better than when he was in this film * Of course Jane Mansfield is perfect for the role. She was quite the presence throughout and captures your heart with her warm down home character that only wants to settle down and have a home. If your nostalgic though - This is the film for you - The soundtrack is a real 5 star production !! Highly recommend you view this and draw your own opinion. It isnt really a dramatic masterpiece but it is like A Hard Days Night was for it's capture of time - for the Fab four - This film allows a similar feeling of nostalgia in that sense - A place in history when the performers are on - Thank you *****
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