"The Big T.N.T. Show" is an interesting time capsule for fans of the mid-60's music scene. The film is a live concert (shot on videotape, then transferred to film) featuring some of the top musical acts of the era. And what acts they are: Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Joan Baez, Petula Clark, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Ronettes, The Byrds, Ike and Tina Turner, and Donovan. The film isn't perfect: Baez and Clark sing other artists hits that just aren't suited to their musical stylings, and Donovan's set is extremely slow moving, and brings the movie's tempo to a screeching halt (thankfully, those in charge of the concert bring out the Turner's after his set to wake the audience up). All in all, a great chance to see these acts in their prime.
16 Reviews
Amazing postcard of the 1960s
jcarey16 October 1999
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!)
A year after TAMI, equally great
phlbrq5810 March 2020
Back in the 90s I set out to find a copy. It was explained to me copyright issues kept it being released. In early 00s I found a unauthorized DVD with both films by way of Japan. It's all performance here, very little of the stupid packaging that TV appearances cluttered the performers. And no lipsynching! I saw this at a large urban theater in 65 with girls screaming in the audience. Kinda cool memory. Now quality print on YouTube.
Concert film captures the excitement of '60's rock.
Hermit C-217 October 1999
So you've suffered through all those lousy rock movies from the 1950's through the beach party flicks of the 60's and you wonder, why couldn't anybody make a good movie about rock and roll? Well, here it is. The idea was straightforward--get rid of the clueless Hollywood producers and hire someone like Phil Spector to do the job. Junk those silly screenplays and actors from another generation and let the performers do what they do best--perform their music.
The well-staged concert film features a wide variety of artists, all in fine form, performing in the exciting and fast-moving days between the Beatles' explosion onto the American scene and the full flowering of psychedelia. One highlight is Joan Baez stepping out of the folk music milieu and belting out a version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" with Spector on piano. A favorite of mine is the Lovin' Spoonful romping through a couple of their hits. And if you aren't sure why Ike and Tina Turner are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, watch them here.
The camera work and editing are surprisingly good considering the bulky equipment used back then and the scarcity of other rock concert films that had come before. This is a great nostalgic trip for those who remember those days For those who don't. it gives you an idea of what all the excitement was about.
The well-staged concert film features a wide variety of artists, all in fine form, performing in the exciting and fast-moving days between the Beatles' explosion onto the American scene and the full flowering of psychedelia. One highlight is Joan Baez stepping out of the folk music milieu and belting out a version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" with Spector on piano. A favorite of mine is the Lovin' Spoonful romping through a couple of their hits. And if you aren't sure why Ike and Tina Turner are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, watch them here.
The camera work and editing are surprisingly good considering the bulky equipment used back then and the scarcity of other rock concert films that had come before. This is a great nostalgic trip for those who remember those days For those who don't. it gives you an idea of what all the excitement was about.
Mid-60's pop at its best!
BobLib29 September 2000
If, like myself, you're a nostalgic middle-ager who wants to remember what the best in mid-60's pop was like for a couple hours, or, if you're under forty or so and want to know why it was so great, Phil Spector's "Big T.N.T. Show" is the one to watch.
Taped in concert at the Hollywood Palace and hosted by then-TV teen idol David McCallum ("The Man from U.N.C.L.E."), this show is so crammed with highlights it's hard to know where to begin. There's Ray Charles rockin' the house with the ultimate "Wha'd I Say," dynamite extended sets from the Byrds and Roger Miller; Donovan at his most pseudo-psychodelic (Check out the all-but-incomprehensible intro he gives to Joan Baez), Petula Clark taking us downtown, Baez singing "There But for Fortune" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," the latter with Phil Spector at the piano, Bo Diddley knockin' 'em out as only he could. The mind reels.
But this is a film better seen than described. Unfortunately, it's unavailable on video, so catch it the next time it's on AMC. You'll be glad you did. This film, along with "Woodstock" and "The T.A.M.I. Show," form the great film trilogy of 1960's pop/rock.
Taped in concert at the Hollywood Palace and hosted by then-TV teen idol David McCallum ("The Man from U.N.C.L.E."), this show is so crammed with highlights it's hard to know where to begin. There's Ray Charles rockin' the house with the ultimate "Wha'd I Say," dynamite extended sets from the Byrds and Roger Miller; Donovan at his most pseudo-psychodelic (Check out the all-but-incomprehensible intro he gives to Joan Baez), Petula Clark taking us downtown, Baez singing "There But for Fortune" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," the latter with Phil Spector at the piano, Bo Diddley knockin' 'em out as only he could. The mind reels.
But this is a film better seen than described. Unfortunately, it's unavailable on video, so catch it the next time it's on AMC. You'll be glad you did. This film, along with "Woodstock" and "The T.A.M.I. Show," form the great film trilogy of 1960's pop/rock.
Free 35mm screening, Saturday, 9/19/09 in Culpeper, VA
sndtrackng18 September 2009
"The Big TNT Show" will be screened Saturday, 9/19 at 7:30 pm in the Packard Theater at the Library of Congress Packard Campus Audiovisual Conservation Center in Culpeper, VA. The screening is free, but reservations are advised. Call (540) 827-1079, x79994, or (202) 707-9994. This is the third film in a Rock and Roll series that also includes "Ferry Cross the Mersey" on Friday, 9/18/09 at 7:30 pm, and "Let the Good Times Roll" on Saturday, 9/19 at 2:00 pm. Also showing with "Ferry Cross the Mersey" will be the short "Rhythm 'n' Greens" featuring the Shadows. The theater is located at 19053 Mount Pony Road, Culpeper, VA. More details:
http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2009/09-161.html
http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2009/09-161.html
Nostalgia rules! Hit makers of the mid 60s.
michaelRokeefe21 October 2000
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.
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.
Delightful 60's music concert documentary
Woodyanders13 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
Another Winner From American International Concert Series
DKosty12317 September 2020
While this is filmed in black and white, and producer Samuel Zarkoff is better known for horror films, this followup to the TAMI show from the same company a year earlier holds it's own with any of these early music concert films. Filmed live over 2 days this one, like TAMI brings together a lot of great music.
One of the great electric music sequences is Pet Clark going into the audience singing her hit Downtown. It is one of many great music moments. Clark upstage Joan Baez here which is natural as she is more seasoned at this point. Baez seems nervous on stage and does one song that is totally wrong for her.
The pacing and production of the film is really good. I wish both TAMI and this one had been filmed in color. After all American International was doing films like Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine in color during this time period. I am guessing tight budgets or maybe the black and white success of the Beatles Hard Days Night or the Dave Clark 5 Having A Wild Week-end could be part of the reason?
For those of us fond of 1960's music, this film is a joy to watch.
One of the great electric music sequences is Pet Clark going into the audience singing her hit Downtown. It is one of many great music moments. Clark upstage Joan Baez here which is natural as she is more seasoned at this point. Baez seems nervous on stage and does one song that is totally wrong for her.
The pacing and production of the film is really good. I wish both TAMI and this one had been filmed in color. After all American International was doing films like Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine in color during this time period. I am guessing tight budgets or maybe the black and white success of the Beatles Hard Days Night or the Dave Clark 5 Having A Wild Week-end could be part of the reason?
For those of us fond of 1960's music, this film is a joy to watch.
A snap shot of a world in transition!
largeGROUCH16 October 1999
Here, we see a multi-faceted view of the movement: FROM >an immature 'rock and roll' era TO the far more developed >ROCK era... Remembering that we are witnessing the infancy of what we would ultimatly call 'classic rock' we >can almost feel the labor-pains of a transitiion in progress... The performers were as diverse as the fans >that would come to worship them and each had a notion of >the world as it existed in that time... All-in-all, a snap >shot of the U. S. A. in the mid 60's.
This is the real thing...
bielbyw21 October 2000
Amazing documentary capturing the pop music scene of the mid-1960s. Where else can you see Joan Baez, The Ronettes, Bo Didley, Ray Charles, Ike & Tina Turner, The Lovin' Spoonful, Roger Miller, The Byrds, and on and on and on on the same bill. Didley followed by Baez is a trip in itself, but then a few acts later Baez comes back out backed by a full orchestra doing the Phil Spector-arranged "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (you'll see Phil himself on keyboards). Then Ronnie comes out and does "Be My Baby" and "Shout" with some really hot moves. Spector produced and directed, which explains the eclectic mix and incredible production values.
Too bad this isn't out on video.
Bill Bielby
Too bad this isn't out on video.
Bill Bielby
ULTRA COOL CONCERT FLICK!
poptekus22 October 2000
Why are these great concert flicks of yesteryear so obscure on VHS and DVD? I finally got to see The Big TNT Show ---on American Movie Classics--- after hearing so many rave reviews about it for over ten years. We get quite a diverse platter of performers, with Tina Turner absolutely stealing the show. Whoever pieced this film together wisely saved her for last; placing her anywhere else in the flick would have stolen any thunder from those who had to follow up! Only complaint is a bit too big a dose of Donavan and The Byrds. Not that I dislike either, but would rather have seen a tad more Bo Diddley, Ray Charles, or Joan Baez. That, however, is my only complaint. BIG TNT is now one of my top 5 fave concert films!
Where all the black folk?
rimrithofundur1 October 2019
First, find a chance to see this - amazing live performances.
And while you are viewing - Ray Charles leads off, later Bo Diddly and other black artists perform to a room of WHITE teenagers. OK, now you have a taste of the USA in 1966, post 1964's ground breaking civil rights actions. But even in "progressive" Los Angeles (remember the Watts Riots occurred only a year before) we had a long way to go.
This is in no way a political film - just good 60s music performed by the artists.
Yet, we can learn from this how we can be better to as we strive for equality.
Go-go-GO-GO!
Rusty-6112 July 2000
I finally got to see this when it was on cable this month, and it was worth the wait! I admit, I was looking forward the most to the Ike and Tina Turner Revue, James Brown, and the Ronettes, but we watched the entire thing and we were not disappointed. James Brown (who, the story goes, was in some sort of stand-off with Mick Jagger about who the better dancer was...needless to say, he wipes the floor with Mick) was incredible. There were some acts that were slower-moving, such as Donovan, but I guess they figured the audience needed a breather. Bo Diddley is another of the highlights, especially with a trio of beautiful back-up singers/dancers...they are dressed in formal Supremes-style evening gowns and big beehives, but manage to look completely bad-ass, and one of them even plays a bass while doing her little dance routine. The Ronettes are wonderful, doing "Be My Baby" as the crowd of mods and teeny-boppers goes nuts. Ronnie Spector's voice will give anyone with a soul chills in that song, and she really looked like she was having fun, though she did write later in her autobiography that Phil Spector yelled at her afterwards for improvising and not doing the song exactly the way he had instructed her to in rehearsal, proving that Phil Spector is brilliant as far music goes, but not that wonderful of a person. Speaking of which, Phil Spector may not exactly be the poster child for sanity, but he sure knew what he was doing when he put this concert together. Speaking as a dancer who specializes in 60's dance moves, I can honestly say that the go-go dancers (who are shown in footage at the beginning, and grand finale of the film) are the most talented I've ever seen, and trust me, I've seen a lot of footage from that era.
The highlight of the movie has to be the Ike and Tina Turner segment, and that is saying a lot, considering some of the mind-blowing performances that come before it. They do a great medley and include full-length versions of "I Think It's Gonna Work Out Fine" among others. Even Ike appears to be having the time of his life--I don't think I've ever seen him actually smile on-stage before, but he can't keep the grin off of his face when he happily and smoothly duets with Tina. He might not be a stellar human being, but he definitely deserves credit for his musical talent and ability to entertain. Other than the very minor complaint of Tina's usually perfect fashion sense deserting her for maybe the only time in her life (she has a cute outfit but a bizarre leather 'hat' that looks like a long, deflated Jiffy-Pop Bag), the performance is flawless, and they blow the roof off of the place. Watch for the moment when she goes into the audience to involve them in the show during a slower number-she picks out a young mod guy to sing to, and his eyes are as big as saucers. When she sings, "tell me...do you wanna be my man?" he can't even answer coherently when she hold the mike up to him. The choreography and dance moves are so show-stopping and high energy (even for them) that no-one could follow them-- Spector was smart in saving them for last. The Ikettes and Tina are obviously having so much fun that their feet barely seem to touch the ground, and during the big finish "Tell the Truth", Tina moves so fast that she is literally a blur! You can see why Mick Jagger asked her to teach him how to dance. I keep meaning to re-watch the entire movie, but when I rewind, I can't make it past Ike and Tina's segment-never get tired of seeing them shake a tailfeather! I defy anyone to sit still while watching the last 15 minutes of this film.
Since this is almost impossible to find, don't miss it the next time they decide to run it on television! I only give it nine out of ten stars because it isn't in color. I hadn't been born at the time this was filmed, but watching it, I felt like I was in the audience.
The highlight of the movie has to be the Ike and Tina Turner segment, and that is saying a lot, considering some of the mind-blowing performances that come before it. They do a great medley and include full-length versions of "I Think It's Gonna Work Out Fine" among others. Even Ike appears to be having the time of his life--I don't think I've ever seen him actually smile on-stage before, but he can't keep the grin off of his face when he happily and smoothly duets with Tina. He might not be a stellar human being, but he definitely deserves credit for his musical talent and ability to entertain. Other than the very minor complaint of Tina's usually perfect fashion sense deserting her for maybe the only time in her life (she has a cute outfit but a bizarre leather 'hat' that looks like a long, deflated Jiffy-Pop Bag), the performance is flawless, and they blow the roof off of the place. Watch for the moment when she goes into the audience to involve them in the show during a slower number-she picks out a young mod guy to sing to, and his eyes are as big as saucers. When she sings, "tell me...do you wanna be my man?" he can't even answer coherently when she hold the mike up to him. The choreography and dance moves are so show-stopping and high energy (even for them) that no-one could follow them-- Spector was smart in saving them for last. The Ikettes and Tina are obviously having so much fun that their feet barely seem to touch the ground, and during the big finish "Tell the Truth", Tina moves so fast that she is literally a blur! You can see why Mick Jagger asked her to teach him how to dance. I keep meaning to re-watch the entire movie, but when I rewind, I can't make it past Ike and Tina's segment-never get tired of seeing them shake a tailfeather! I defy anyone to sit still while watching the last 15 minutes of this film.
Since this is almost impossible to find, don't miss it the next time they decide to run it on television! I only give it nine out of ten stars because it isn't in color. I hadn't been born at the time this was filmed, but watching it, I felt like I was in the audience.
Addictive 60's Pop Potpourri Dance Party Shin Dig Love In
m33907223 October 2000
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!!!!!
why not on video?
markie-g24 June 2008
i have only seen the trailers to this movie and the T.A.M.I. show movie since i was about twelve yrs old--i remember that these were excellent concert films, with some all time world-class performances, especially by James brown, Ike and Tina, the stones, the beach boys, the byrds, Marvin Gaye, the supremes-and, as far as i can tell, all live performances, no lip-synchs!---try pulling that off w/ the divas of today-one of the reasons tom hanks' movie 'that thing you do' is so good, is that it perfectly portrays not only the look, but the feel and emotion of that era-a time when your peers wouldn't let you get away with lip-synching even if you had the nerve to try---everyone gave the best performance they could because they were inspired by, and wanted to impress, their fellow entertainers---these movies evidently are not available on video or disc---why not, and who has the rights to these movies so tied up that i cant even discover who actually owns them, much less if they will ever be released-someone is withholding on a gold mine ---could it be that legendary genius-wacko Phil spector? if anyone has any idea who or what owns these movies, please let me know, i will do what i can to get them to release these classics to video and DVD--i can be quite persuasive
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