BB17-076 — ROCK, PRETTY BABY!
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YEAR: 1956
FILM STUDIO / PRODUCTION: Universal-International Pictures
TAGLINE: “It’s the Rock-and-Roll Sensation of Our Generation!”
DIRECTOR: Richard Bartlett
CAST: Sal Mineo, John Saxon, Luana Patten, Edward C. Platt, Fay Wray, Rod McKuen, Shelley Fabares
SCREENPLAY: Herbert Margolis and William Raynor
PRODUCER: Albert J. Cohen
MUSIC: Henry Mancini
GENRE: Rock & Roll / Musical / Teen Drama / Romance

FORMAT: Australian DaybillRock, Pretty Baby! is an early rock-and-roll teen musical centred on a group of high-school musicians trying to make it through a television talent contest. The Smithsonian confirms the 1956 film, Richard Bartlett as director and the principal trio of Sal Mineo, John Saxon and Luana Patten.

POSTER DESIGN FEATURES: A terrific early rock-and-roll Australian Daybill with colourful illustrated artwork rather than photographic imagery. John Saxon and Luana Patten embrace on a beach above the enormous red ROCK, PRETTY BABY! title, while smaller vignettes show teenage romance, a drummer and a performing band. Blue hand-drawn typography announces “It’s the Rock-and-Roll Sensation of Our Generation!” The Australian “FOR GENERAL EXHIBITION” triangle and Universal-International branding appear prominently at the bottom. The combination of beach culture, teenage romance and live music gives this poster an unmistakable mid-1950s youth-culture appearance.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: This one has genuine crossover appeal beyond movie-poster collecting. It comes from the first wave of Hollywood films built around the emerging rock-and-roll youth market, and features Sal Mineo shortly after Rebel Without a Cause, alongside John Saxon and Luana Patten. The supporting credits add Fay Wray, Rod McKuen and Shelley Fabares, while Henry Mancini contributed to the score. Original Rock, Pretty Baby! material is actively collected internationally, particularly when the artwork strongly features its rock-and-roll theme.