Opening with the birth of a baby, the exploitation ‘documentary’ film Primitive London attempts to cover just about every social group making News of the World headlines at the time – from mods and rockers to strippers, beatniks, wife-swappers and, erm, wrestlers.
Director Arnold L Miller takes a look at the highs and lows of the pop world as Billy J. Kramer – at the height of his fame – faces scores of screaming female fans waiting for him at a record shop signing while faded pop singer Terry Dene can walk past the same girls without any of them recognising him.
A bloody re-enactment of the Jack the Ripper murders is juxtaposed with footage of smashed-up cars while narrator David Gell notes that more people will die as a result of car accidents than ever did at the hands of the more famous murderer.
The film’s most infamous scene is a gruelling look at the killing of battery chickens where they are given electric shocks and have their throats slashed on an assembly line.
Comedian Barry Cryer and wrestler Mick McManus both also appear, here at the beginning of their careers.
There are some interesting views of London in the 1960s, though.
Narrator
David Gell MacDonald Hobley
Himself Billy J. Kramer
Himself Diana Noble
Herself Bobby Chandler
Himself Vickie Gray
Herself John Lee
Himself Ray Martine
Himself Audrey Crane
Herself Beatrice Kotter
Herself Roger
Barry Cryer Terry Dene
Himself Emmett Hennessy
Himself Wrestler
Mick McManus
Director
Arnold L. Miller
Video
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Director Arnold L Miller takes a look at the highs and lows of the pop world as Billy J. Kramer – at the height of his fame – faces scores of screaming female fans waiting for him at a record shop signing while faded pop singer Terry Dene can walk past the same girls without any of them recognising him.
