The Big T.N.T. Show (1966)

Really Surprised!

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

A motley assortment of music acts encompassing various genres such as folk, pop, and R&B perform live in concert at a Hollywood club in 1966. Ray Charles gets things off to a rip-roaring start with a spirited performance of "What'd I Say." Petula Clark impresses with a lovely and classy rendition of her big hit "Downtown." Bo Diddley lays down some thunderous earth-shaking beats as well as busts a few funky dance moves. The Lovin' Spoonful are quite charming with their one two punch of "Do You Believe in Magic?" -- the group hilariously flubs the intro to this song! -- and "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice." Joan Baez holds her own with a solid set; her inspired cover of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" stands out as a highlight (and, yep, that's none other than Phil Spector on piano). The Ronettes are a ball of infectious happy fire as they bring the house down with "Be My Baby" and a particularly dynamic version of "Shout." The Byrds score a bull's eye with their three songs, with "Mr. Tanbourine Man" proving to be the best and most memorable of the bunch. Country singer/songwriter Roger Miller makes an amiable impression as he performs a pleasing medley of "Dang Me," "Engine Engine #9," "King of the Road," and "England Swings." Things go a tad off track and get a bit too sober for comfort with Donovan's performance of four folk tunes, which to be charitable are pleasant enough. Fortunately, Ike and Tina Turner end the festivities on a rousing note with their ferociously thrilling closing act. Director Larry Peerce maintains a quick pace and astutely captures the vibrancy and excitement of the event. David McCallum makes for an acceptable host. Bob Boatman's sharp black and white cinematography provides a neat crisp look. The go-go dancers strut and shake their stuff with spirited abandon. A real blast from the past.

Let me tell you, I flipped by this the other night on AMC and Ray Charles was on, so I thought I'd watch his song. I could NOT stop watching. You want to talk about eye candy, this is one for 60's music enthusiasts or just plain history buffs. I could have done without the dorky host and his band's musak covers of songs like "Satisfaction", but the crowd shots alone were worth watching. This was Lalapalooza before the Red Hot Chili Peppers were born! Where else would you be able to see Joan Baez, Bo Diddley, Petula Clark, The Byrds, and Roger Miller all in the same place. Are you kidding me!?! I'm having withdrawal... I need to see it again!!!!!

Great fun to look back at this film of headliner acts taking part in a musical review in a disco type setting. TV star David McCallum introduces acts like Ray Charles, Petula Clark, The Byrds, Ike & Tina Turner, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Roger Miller, The Ronettes and more.A very diverse collection of artists and musical styles. A time capsule showing the hair styles and clothing that went with the music. Relax, gear down and enjoy.

Great performances to remind us that even Donovan, and Petula Clark, could send teenagers into hysterical screaming frenzies with their music. Nice sharp black-and-white photography by Larry Peerce. (And check out the knee-high white socks worn by Tina Turner's backup singers!)