Momma Don't Allow
Momma Don't Allow
| 05 February 1956 (USA)
Momma Don't Allow Trailers

A night at the Wood Green Jazz Club - an example of 'Free Cinema'.

Reviews
Horst in Translation ([email protected])

"Momma Don't Allow" is a British short film that runs for approximately 20 minutes and was made back in 1955, 10 years after the end of World War II, so this one is already over 60 years old. The directors Karel Reisz and Tony Richardson have had amazing careers, but this black-and-white short film here is probably among their least memorable works. We hear music from start ti finish and see people dancing to the wild jazz tunes. The whole thing is obviously recorded in a club and this is what they looked like back then. While I thought the music is a good listen for jazz fans, I cannot recommend this film anyway. The video site is just entirely forgettable. We see people dancing and that's it. Ultimately, there is no real reason to watch this instead of listening to an old record. I can only laugh when I read other reviewers call this the best (short) film ever made. Thumbs down from me and I don't recommend it.

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scopitone

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.

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