Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Although not particularly well-made (the editing is unusually erratic), this tremendously good-humoured teenage frolic is kept alive by the hopefulness of its performances, particularly those of David Hemmings as the ingenuous Dave, and Avril Angers as the well-meaning crosspatch of a cook who "comes with" the boarding house. The Beat groups are used sparingly, and with a certain sense of fun, although one is probably wrong in thinking that the long-haired Nashville Teens are parodying themselves on purpose." [5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "This is a simple little tale, embellished with uncomplicated humour and music in the modern idiom. The direction and characterisation are straightforward and the humour is simple." [6]
Variety wrote: "Designed as a second feature pic and to cash in on the still current vogue for the juve pop talent mar ket, this one does its job adequately. Local patrons will enjoy an earful of some of the local groups, but nobody outside the United Kingdom will go overboard. Lyn Faithurst's script reveals pro knowhow and Lance Comfort is a director with planty of savvy. Result is an unambitlous item that is a cut above many program film fillers. David Hemmings and Andrea Monet put over some calf love romance, somewhat self-consciously with Miss Monet showing her paces as a possible up-and-comer in the soubrette stakes, though a shade short on star sparkle. Ivor Salter and Diana King do their best in Mom and Dad roles, but have little opportunity in conventional situations. Avril Angers, as a battleaxe of a housekeeper, reveals a deft comedy attack. Miss Angers, an experienced, local comedienne, currently playing in "Little Me" in the West End, is inexplicably overlooked in this pix. Other roles that stand out are David Healey, as a genial, egotistic impresario; and, particularly, Joyce Blair, as his girl friend. Miss Blair, though now blonde instead of brunet [sic], has two or three promising spots and proves herself a useful "blonde temptress" type." [7]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 3/5 stars, writing: "The second of two unassuming but spirited little pop musicals (the first was Live It Up) released during the British beat boom of the 1960s. David Hemmings is once again the star, this time playing a newspaper office boy, who tries to launch the "Brighton beat", but tangles with unscrupulous music industry bigwigs. The format and mood belong to the earlier rock 'n' roll era (Jerry Lee Lewis is one of the guest stars). But the snappy script is played with verve by all concerned, and the result is a very jolly piece of pop history." [8]
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