Rock Around The Clock Bill Haley and the Comets performer Ernie Freeman Combo and the Platters performer Freddie Bell and the Bellboys performer Martinez, Tony performer Film 1956 Considered the first rock and roll film, featuring Bill Haley and the Comets, Alan Freed, Ernie Freeman Combo with the Platters, Freddie Bell and His Bellboys, Tony Martinez and His Band. Narrates the rise of rock and roll told through the rise of Bill Haley (who appears as himself) and the Comets. While the film is a time-capsule look at the phenomenon of rock and roll, it clearly illustrates how the rhythmic phrasing of forties swing and jazz tap dance, along with jive talk phrasing and body styling, was absorbed up into the body, creating a "modern" jazz dance style; and how the beat from jazz tap morphed into various rock dances, and ensemble group playing. Songs include "See You Later, Alligator"" Razzle Dazzle" "Rudy's Rock" "Rock Around the Clock" "The Great Pretender" and "Only You." Also includes Lisa Gaye, Johnny Johnston, Alix Talton, John Archer, Henry Slate, and Earl Barton. Performing Arts Encyclopedia http://www.loc.gov/performingarts Billman, Larry: Film Choreographers and Dance Directors: An Illustrated Biographical Encyclopedia, 1893-1955. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland (1997). Tap Dance America http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/tda/tda-home.html tda IHAS 151216 loc.music.tda.294