 |
 The apparent success of a popular singing group in the motion picture industry is not new. Fans that these groups have accumulated from their records and personal appearances are not about to let them down when their pictures are shown. The first really popular rock 'n' roll star was Elvis Presley. His popularity was unprecedented by any other singing star, with the possible exception of Frank Sinatra. Elvis is still extremely popular, and most of his songs make the surveys. When Elvis started making movies, his fans nearly doubled, and he drew a wider variety of followers. Then came the Beatles ... the biggest success in the industry. Their fans numbered in the millions, their records were on every chart, and they became the idols of nearly every teenager and teen group in America, as well as the rest of the world. Movie theatres all over the country were swamped with Beatles fans when the pictures were shown. Motion picture companies are anxious to make films starring popular groups. Even though they are limited in the mood and type of films, they are assured of an outstanding success, lines at the doors and money in their pockets, as well as the gratitude of the fans. Teenage fans of popular musical groups are probably the most loyal followers of anyone in the world. The director of "Hold On!", Arthur Lubin, is known to many for his direction of "Francis the Talking |
|
Mule" features for motion pictures and "Mr. Ed" for television. Producer Sam Katzman also produced "When The Boys Meet The Girls", and Elvis Presley's pictures "Harum Scarum" and "Kissin' Cousins." It was not only executives who were charmed by the Hermits - Peter Noone, Derek Leckenby, Barry Whitwam, Keith Hopwood and Karl Green - but everyone at the studio. Their good manners and friendly way bowled over stars and secretaries alike. The "Hold On!" set became the unofficial meeting place at MGM for those with a few minutes to spare. Greer Garson, Debbie Reynolds, Richard Chamberlain and David McCallum were among the stars who came on the set just to look. Secretaries who hadn't left their desks in years, except for lunch, sneaked down back paths for a peek at the group. Children of the executives and stars visited the set as much as possible, and gathered autographs for all their friends. Pearl Lighter, script supervisor for "Hold On!", summed it up by saying, "I've worked on films for almost 25 years, and I've never had so much fun." Herman's Hermits are especially dear to the hearts of Denver fans and to KBTR. When they were in Denver last summer, many of their fans and the staff of KBTR spent the day with them. We were all impressed by the young gentlemen - their manners, attitude, humor and humility. They were good sports, riding horseback in the mountains (their one request for Denver), and excellent performers. From all reviews, "Hold On!" should be one of the most fun and entertaining movies to be seen in Denver for quite a while. The plot is just a story, but the stars are great! |