The Girl Can't Help It (1956) (film starts at 4:30; meet between 4:05-4:20)

ABOUT THE FILM
Musical comedy, which I haven't seen. (But the Beatles saw it!) AFI's description (https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100005596/) begins "A landmark showcase of first-wave rock 'n' roll talent - and simultaneously an incendiary send-up of the showbiz machinery behind pop culture- THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT stands as one of writer/director/producer Frank Tashlin's greatest accomplishments." My interest in the film is in seeing the early rock performers who are in it, including Little Richard, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Julie London, Abbey Lincoln, The Platters, etc. (The storyline and plot may in fact be secondary; the film apparently consists of a story that was mashed together with all the songs, because the concept of a rock concert film was still years away at the time.) Wikipedia says "The film's influence on rock music is significant", and also "The [film] has been called the 'most potent' celebration of rock music ever captured on film."

OTHER NOTES

There are 19 songs in the film and they are all apparently shown in full, so half or so of the film should just be the music.

A Beatles website says that the recording of "Birthday" was scheduled around a TV showing of this film: "The Beatles had scheduled an earlier start for their 18 September 1968 session, in order to watch the classic rock 'n' roll film 'The Girl Can't Help It'. It was showing that night for the first time on British TV, on BBC Two between 9.05 and 10.40 p.m."

If the Beatles wanted to see it that badly I think you should see it too! Also note this article "The Beatles Probably Wouldn't Exist Without This Movie": https://collider.com/beatles-movie-the-girl-cant-help-it/. So we must see the film to have the opportunity to show our gratitude for the very existence of the Beatles.

I should note that the film is a product of its time- the mid-1950s- for example, humor based on the buxom build of Jayne Mansfield (in her first starring role). (In other words, don't be surprised to find some 1950s-style attitudes about women.)

This event is cross posted with the "50s 60s and 70s of the Red Line and beyond" group

MEETING UP

The film starts at 4:30. I will be in the lobby outside the theater on the 15th between 4:05-4:20. Not planning on having any special signage or other identifying symbols, but I intend on looking as much like my picture here on Meetup as I possibly can. I would like to go in the theater at 4:20 to get seats, although if you arrive between 4:20-4:30 you can certainly look for me/us in the theater.

AFTER THE FILM

It's an hour and 20 minutes, which means that it should be ending close to 6:00, which would be a fine time to get something to eat or drink nearby afterwards, if others are interested, and chat about the film, or other films, or the Beatles, or other suitable related topics. If others are interested we can figure out at the time where to go. There is no dearth of places to go in Silver Spring.

QUESTIONS?

I have limited experience hosting Meetups with this group (and even limited experience attending in-person Meetups with this group), but if you have any questions you are welcome to message me individually. I shall endeavor to respond expeditiously to any inquiries.