When i tuned into this unfamiliar film on TCM today, i had not planned on sticking around long for at first glance it appeared to be your run-of-the-mill 50's boring Leave It To Beaveresque high school Love/Crush romp. And besides it only scored 2 out of 4 stars on the cable film guide but what i found is that i never wanted to change the channel.
I must say it was pretty cool seeing Tom Laughlin in an early role as i was a big Billy Jack fan when i was a kid (still am). He showed the same raw intensity in this film as Carter Breed the 3rd, steely eyes and gritting teeth, as he did in his 1971 landmark part Indian role as the karate sheriff/punk ass kicking Billy Jack.
The film is filled with entertaining and memorable cameo musical performances by entertainers of the era. Seeing Ed Sullivan in his small cameo presenting an award in a seemingly half scripted, half ad-libbed sort of way brought a smile.
I made my entrance expecting to mill about for a short time and quickly depart for more exciting filmdom adventure but found the atmosphere quite appealing and cozy so i stuck around longer than was expected to the happy end. All around good natured light hearted fare to pass a little time.
