Hootenanny Hoot Explained

Hootenanny Hoot
Director:	Gene Nelson
Producer:	Sam Katzman
Starring:	Peter Breck Ruta Lee Johnny Cash
Cinematography:	Ellis W. Carter
Editing:	Al Clark
Distributor:	MGM
Runtime:	91 mins.
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Gross:	$1,200,000 (US/ Canada)^[1]

Hootenanny Hoot is a 1963 folk music musical film directed by Gene Nelson. It stars Peter Breck and Ruta Lee.^[2]

Plot

A TV director, having split up with his producer-wife, decides to telecast a traveling hootenanny show.

Cast

• Peter Breck as Ted Grover
• Ruta Lee as A.G. Bannister
• Joby Baker as Steve Laughlin
• Pamela Austin as Billie-Jo Henley
• Bobo Lewis as Claudia Hoffer

Musical acts:

• The Brothers Four
• Johnny Cash
• Chris Crosby
• George Hamilton IV
• Judy Henske
• Joe and Eddie
• Cathie Taylor
• Sheb Wooley
• The Gateway Trio

Production

Ruta Lee signed in June 1963.^[3] Gene Nelson signed to direct.^[4]

The film was shot in nine days. Katzman was so pleased he gave Nelson the job directing Elvis Presley in Kissin' Cousins.^[5]

Reception

The Los Angeles Times said the plot "wouldn't stand steady in a light breeze" but the filmmakers had "assembled a lively group of hootenany experts - and that's probably enough to ensure success."^[6]

Notes and References

1. "Top Rental Features of 1963", Variety, 8 January 1964 p 71. Figures are rentals as opposed to total gross.
2. Web site: Hootenanny Hoot - Cast, Reviews, Summary, and Awards - AllRovi . 2011-10-22 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110614230408/http://www.allrovi.com/movies/movie/hootenanny-hoot-v95591 . 2011-06-14 .
3. Shenson Cat, Lion to Follow 'Mouse': Yordan's 'Big Blonde' Found: Mason Will Team With Lollo Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 27 June 1963: C9.
4. FILMLAND EVENTS: Polly Bergen Teams With Fred MacMurray Los Angeles Times 2 July 1963: D7.
5. Nelson Up a Rung on Director Ladder: Grunwald Tells Liz-Burton Woes in Casting 'V.I.P.'s' Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (10 Sep 1963: C11.
6. There's a 'Hoot' on Citywide Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 26 Sep 1963: C7.