The Tommy Steele Story

This is the story of how Tommy Steele became Britain’s first teen idol (sorry, Cliff!) and rock ‘n’ roller – in his own words. This ‘good clean fun’ musical biopic from 1957 features the chirpy chap himself plus some special guests including Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group, Tommy Eytles’ Calypso Band, jazz musician Humphrey Lyttelton and others.

We start at the plush Cafè De Paris in London’s Piccadilly district where Tommy Steele has just wowed his audience. Backstage, Mum and Dad come to congratulate him while eager journos demand to know how the young hipster became such a sensation in such a short space of time. Rather than spending the next few hours answering question after question Tommy wisely decides to simply tell his life story (he was only 21 when this film was made!) and wham, we find ourselves transported to London’s Bermondsey district – back then a predominately working class area. It’s humble beginnings for our Tommy working as a bellhop but thanks to an accident during Judo class (during which he injures his spine) he’s forced to spend a lengthy time in hospital… where he’s encouraged by a well-meaning nurse to learn the guitar and promptly she presents him with one from a local charity shop! Cue for the burgeoning star to teach himself how to play the instrument, even if it drives fellow patients initially up the wall (would it really have been allowed to learn playing an instrument in a hospital ward? Hmmm…). Clearly making progress and forced to spend Christmas in hospital, he serenades doctors, staff and patients alike with a joyful ditty performed in front of a Christmas tree. Santa seems to have provided an invisible backing band, which can be heard but not seen and it’s a scenario which creeps up time and time again throughout the film.

After his lengthy convalescence a generous ‘antiques’ dealer (think Steptoe & Son) sells Tommy a pricy guitar (or so he claims) for a quid – also after having recognised the lad’s talent. Cor blimey! Not quite sure which route to take in his young life, Mum and Dad are pleased enough when their son announces he’ll do a stint in the Merchant Navy and best of all, that way he’ll get to see the world for free. But an encounter with a local Calypso band somewhere in the Bahamas further cements Tommy’s ambition to become a professional musician – besides, he manages to invoke the Captain’s wrath by constantly performing for the ship’s guests and clearly preferring his guitar over washing up tons of dirty dishes… well, who wouldn’t? Finally the Captain fires him and Tommy arrives back in London where he’s too afraid to go home. Another gentle and generous soul (this must be some kind of utopic version of London), in this case a café owner in Old Compton Street, also recognises Tommy’s talent when punters seem to take a shine to the rock and rolling minstrel. Offering him a weekly job to perform, luck is with Tommy yet again when a record producer happens to be among the guests and it’s all aboard for the skylark. Suffice to say Mum and Dad forgive their son for his decision to shove his Merchant Navy job in favour of a mega musical career…

The final 15 minutes or so see Tommy return to his birthplace Bermondsey where he gives a concert together with the aforementioned special guests (including the nauseating hit ‘Freight Train’ performed by Nancy Whiskey). It looks like everyone performing on the ‘stage’ is actually in a film studio, with audience scenes taken from another gig altogether.
As far as rock n roll rebels go, Tommy Steele certainly wasn’t one of them. Indeed, the most ‘rebellious’ thing he does in this film is standing his ground and telling his Dad he won’t return to the Merchant Navy or pursue another ‘serious and solid’ job for that matter.
The most amusing thing about the film is the musical narrative by a Calypso singer who informs us about Tommy’s plans and actions via hilariously witty lyrics: “I’m Tommy Steele - we are proud to reveal how we lose control when we are doing the rock ‘n’ roll.” And: “Tommy had an idea to get himself a guitar. The guitar was very nice but Tommy no like the price”
THE TOMMY STEELE STORY is a trip down memory lane for all those who have fond memories of a time when British rock n roll was in its infancy.

THE TOMMY STEELE STORY is presented as a brand-news HD re-master and is available both in Blu-ray and DVD format. Bonus material includes Image gallery and the original theatrical trailer.