Hootenanny Hoot

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

Hootenanny Hoot
Directed by	Gene Nelson
Produced by	Sam Katzman
Starring	Peter Breck Ruta Lee Johnny Cash
Cinematography	Ellis W. Carter
Edited by	Al Clark
Distributed by	MGM
Release date	August 1963 (1963-08)
Running time	91 mins.
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$1,200,000 (US/ Canada)[1]

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
• Lauren Gilbert as Howard Stauton^[3]
• Nick Novarro as Jed Morse^[4]

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.^[5] Gene Nelson signed to direct.^[6]

The film was shot in nine days. Katzman was so pleased he gave Nelson the job directing Elvis Presley in Kissin' Cousins.^[7]

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."^[8]