User Reviews

. . . from 1959 titled THE SWING, this is the only thing which comes up on the site. However, I'm not sure that it correctly matches the 1959 version of THE SWING which I just viewed. For one thing, the most popular SWING flick of this Eisenhower year was quite succinct, clocking in at a mere 61 seconds. Secondly, the briefer made-for-TV offering was aimed more at general audiences, being in color, and having been written originally by beloved TREASURE ISLAND creator Robert Louis Stevenson. Bob Lou penned a bit of poetry read here by Bullwinkle J. Moose. Complications ensue, involving a greenhouse, a shotgun, a well and a pillow in an action-packed homage to the season of first buds.

This is a 1959 TV show titled "Swing Into Spring" and is a showcase for Benny Goodman and his orchestra plus top performers of the day...Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, The Hi-Los, a young Andre Previn at the piano, Jack Lesberg, Shelly Manne, Matt Mattox and a new discovery at the time, 20 year old Donna Musgrove. She could really belt out a song as she was accompanied by the Hi-Los for the show. Guess she didn't have anyone to help her in show biz or decided to take another path in life. But she had singing talent, good looks and personality. I sometimes wonder what became of people like her. Benny Goodman said she had won an audition at the Iowa State Teachers College. Plenty of dancers too. The whole show is very professionally done and quick moving. See Benny play the licorice stick and Lionel pound that xylophone like vibraphone. Peggy & Ella give stand-out singing performances with classic songs. I found this video at a local flea market and slipped it into the VCR and I was glad I did. If you have an ear for rap music or heavy metal, you probably won't like this. However, anyone who can appreciate good music and classic talent will love it.

As a member of the Mark V and friend of Donna, I was delighted to accidentally come across this video and would appreciate hearing from Donna, her son or daughter who also has put this clip on via my space, and the reviewer who found the video. Obviously this clip brought back great memories.

The Mark V members made a tough, but mature choice at that time by electing to graduate verses attempting to go big time...each member successful in a variety of professions....two college profs, a hospital administrator, and a financial planner.

The late 50's were great times with a variety of musical tastes being satisfied with refreshing youth of America. As a member of that generation it is comforting to note that my children and grandchildren have developed a taste for those sounds. My fifteen year old grand daughter is a fan of the Four Freshmen who are going strong with, perhaps the best group yet. Visit them at www.4freshmen.com and see them the next time they are in your area.

I have shared it with Bill Murray, Donna, and hope to find Denny and Jim.