A fabulous Quad poster for the seminal Rock ‘n’ Roll film “Rock Around The Clock”, starring Bill Haley & the Comets. This low-budget movie was rushed out to capitalise on what was perceived to be a fad for RnR. However, for many in the western world, this was their first introduction to this revolutionary new form of music. Though the film was tame by today’s standards, such was the excitement caused that rioting broke out in several UK cinemas.

When Bill Haley finally came to the UK to tour in 1957, British Teddy Boys were disappointed to find a slightly chubby 32-year old in their midst & Elvis Presley quickly superseded Haley as the torch bearer for RnR & youthful rebellion. However, whether you look at it in terms of vinyl releases or films, Haley was there before Elvis. Haley had a hit with “Shake Rattle & Roll” in 1954 whilst Elvis’s first UK hit “Heartbreak Hotel” in was not till 1956. Though both “Rock Around The Clock” & the Elvis film “Love Me Tender” were released in 1956, Haley’s film was clearly about contemporary RnR, whereas “Love Me Tender” was a period romantic drama interspersed with Elvis songs. It was not till “Jailhouse Rock” in 1957, that Elvis Presley really emphasised his RnR credentials on celluloid.

This particular poster is either a B-style release or otherwise a very early re-release Quad. The alternate Quad design (image courtesy of www.rockpopmem.com) similarly carries the caricature image of a sax player in full flow, while both Quads carry a photo image of Haley himself. Both posters highlight a sense of excitement & celebrate the novelty of the new sound, both clearly targeted at the youth of the day. By way of comparison, the equivalent US 1-Sheet movie poster is also shown (image courtesy of emovieposter.com).

This poster has been cleaned & linen-backed