Henry Aldrich Swings It

When Henry Aldrich (Jimmy Lydon) learns he has a new music teacher, he expects the worst, but when he discovers she is a youthful beauty, he takes a new interest in the school band. He and the other kids are thrilled to discover that she has an appreciation for swing music, but the principal doesn't like it, and forbids her from playing it. Trouble ensues. To top things off, a famous violin player comes to the school to play with the students, only to get his Stradivarius mixed up with an ordinary violin.

This is an enjoyable B-film, which is in fact the 6th of the series, the 4th with Lydon. It originally was a Broadway show which got a radio series, and was so popular, that Paramount made it into a films series. It is not remembered today, and the films are difficult to track down, but when they can be seen, they're worth the wait.

This film is lighthearted and fun with an enthusiastic cast, great music (including "Ding Dong, Sing a Song"), and a good sense of humor. Real teenagers play the teens, so the film has an air of authenticity about it. When the gang gets together to play some music, their timidity shows through as being genuine, but they have true talent. You'll find yourself swinging it too!

The Henry Aldrich series is a period piece - a funny, wonderful slice of American life during WWII. It gives me a picture of what my parents might have done, watched, wore, danced or listened to when they were teenagers. Jimmy Lydon, a popular child star of the era, playing opposite the blooming Elizabeth Taylor in "Life With father" and "Cynthia" is always a lot of laughs and quite appealing. I only wish the movies were shown again on network, cable or available on tape or DVD.

This film is one the best of the Henry Aldrich film series. Young Henry falls in love with the new band teacher, a much older woman by the name of Louise Elliott. The only problem that Henry has with the teacher is that she likes older type of music, not the modern music which a teen would like. But to the joy of Henry, Miss Elliott also can keep the beat of "boogie Woogie." Henry is so in love with Elliott that she talks him into playing a violin. Of course, the instrument must be supplied by Henry's father, Mr. Aldrich, whom cannot "stand" to spend money or listen to Henry trying to play. To the rescue, Miss Elliott must convince Mr. Aldrich which becomes much easier when he sees her and cannot refuse her any request. He suddenly becomes so interested with her that his level of energy returns, much like a young man of Henry's age. Mr. Aldrich is too old and Henry too young for Miss Elliott but they both try to win her attentions. Who will win, Henry or Mr Aldrich? You must see this film to find out if anyone wins her heart! One clue, near the end of this film Mrs. Aldrich prepares to move out!!!!