Momma Don't Allow

MOMMA DON'T ALLOW is largely of historical interest these days. The mid-50s jazz scene is portrayed with unvarnished documentary style, but otherwise, it's a repetitive 21 minutes. I felt the visuals were not as stunning as the other reviewers claim and while I'm interested in both of the directors attached to the film, they would go on to do far more memorable and artistically successful work in the (then) near future.

The one thing I got out of this: dancing seemed to consist mostly of spinning. I suppose that's better than the silly grinding I had to deal with in high school-- but like grinding, it gets monotonous after two minutes.

Hard to believe this is the first review for this euphoric, exhilarating and visually stunning film. Amazing film tells the story of at at least five different people at a nightclub dance party...... without one word of dialog. However, The Chris Barber Jazz Band performing at the party provides a constant live Swing /Dixieland & Rock 'n' Roll soundtrack for the films entire 22 minutes. Full of wonder & stunning first film for future Oscar winning directors Tony Richardson and Karel Reisz. Great look at 1955 Teddy Boys, Cool Kittens and Lindy Bop dancers. Delivers on every count..... Music, style, cinematography, storytelling and enthusiasm. A joy from start to finish. You'll wish it didn't end.