Okay, this movie is titled "Hot Rod Gang" and it was released in 1958, so a person's first instinct is that it's a horrible teen movie with little plot and atrocious acting. In reality, the film is pretty good, with decent music, good acting and some good touches of humor.
John Ashley plays John Abernathy III, who will inherit his grandfather's entire estate if he lives a virtuous life and stays out of trouble. Naturally, Abernathy wants to race fast cars, chase girls, sing with his "combo" and fight with his enemies. The film moves quickly to Abernathy's rock stardom, lots of music by Gene Vincent, several fistfights, and a final defeat of the bad guys, who want to ruin Ashley's dreams.
Ashley acquits himself well in the lead role, and croons several songs anonymously as "Jackson Dalrymple", who is disguised with a fake beard. He's supported by the wholesome Jody Fair, with comic relief by numerous adult actors, who of course behave like idiots. The movie's a notch above the usual late 1950s teen movies, with good photography, lots of action, the music of Gene Vincent, and some very good work by Ashley. It's not a bad way to spend your evening if you're feeling nostalgic.
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