Don't Knock the Twist

Don't Knock the Twist is a 1962 comedy musical film starring Lang Jeffries, directed by Oscar Rudolph and produced by Sam Katzman for release by Columbia Pictures. It is a sequel to the 1961 film Twist Around the Clock, featuring musical artists including Chubby Checker.

Don't Knock the Twist
Directed by	Oscar Rudolph
Screenplay by	Robert E. Kent
Produced by	Sam Katzman
Starring	Lang Jeffries Chubby Checker Gene Chandler Vic Dana
Cinematography	Gordon Avil
Edited by	Jerome Thoms
Music by	Freddy Karger
Production company	Four-Leaf Productions
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release date	April 13, 1962 (1962-04-13)
Running time	89 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Don't Knock The Twist Original Sound Track Recording
Soundtrack album by Chubby Checker The Carroll Brothers The Dovells Dee Dee Sharp
Released	1962
Genre	Pop rock
Label	Parkway

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
New Record Mirror	[1]

Plot summary

A large group of twist dancers meet in preparation for a television variety show called The Twist. While the program is still in its production stages, jealousy leads to problems.

Cast

• Chubby Checker as Chubby Checker
• Gene Chandler as the Duke of Earl
• Vic Dana as Vic Dana
• Linda Scott as Linda Scott
• The Dovells as the Dovells
• Len Barry as Len Barry (of the Dovells)
• Mike Dennis as Mike Dennis (of the Dovells)
• Arnie Satin as Arnie Satin (of the Dovells)
• Jerry Summers as Jerry Summers (of the Dovells)
• The Carroll Brothers as the Carroll Brothers
• Lang Jeffries as Ted Haver
• Mari Blanchard as Dulcie Corbin
• Georgine Darcy as Madge Albright
• Stephen Preston as Billy Albright
• James Chandler as Joe Albright

Critical reception

In their review of the film for Turner Classic Movies, critic John M. Miller wrote that "No matter how trite or inconsequential the plot, every Katzman-produced exploitation musical is invaluable for capturing obscure recording artists of the era in their prime," noting that the "slick pop numbers [of Dana and Scott] serve as a reminder that many of the chart toppers of the period were soon forgotten," and that the film "is also one of those Rock movies that emphasize the importance of adults' acceptance of their kids' fads and tastes."^[2] A review of the film in TV Guide reported that it features "a silly story about preparations for a TV special on the twist and efforts to help a summer camp for orphans; in other words, a way to segue between a dozen musical numbers of varying quality."^[3]

Music

Live performances in the film

1. "Don't Knock the Twist" - Chubby Checker
2. "Duke of Earl" - Gene Chandler
3. "Slow Twistin'" - Chubby Checker & Dee Dee Sharp
4. "Yessiree" - Linda Scott
5. "Little Altar Boy" - Vic Dana
6. "The Fly" - Chubby Checker
7. "Do the New Continental" - The Dovells
8. "Hey! Bo Diddley" - The Carroll Brothers
9. "Mashed Potato Time" - Dee Dee Sharp
10. "Bristol Stomp" - The Dovells

Soundtrack

1. "Twistin'" (Mann-Appell) 2:08
2. "Bristol Stomp" (Mann-Appell) 2:18
3. "La Paloma Twist" (Kal Mann) 2:32
4. "Mashed Potato Time" (Sheldon-Land) 2:27
5. "Bo Diddley" (Bo Diddley) 3:05 (misspelled "Diddely" on cover and label)
6. "I Love to Twist" (Mann-Lowe) 2:40
7. "Don't Knock the Twist" (Mann-Appell) 2:17
8. "Salome Twist" (Karger-Kent) 1:38
9. "The Fly" (John Madara/David White) 2:27
10. "Smashed Potatoes" (Sheldon-Leon) 2:27
11. "Slow Twistin'" (Jon Sheldon) 2:31