The film “Rock Around the Clock” premiered at the Gopher Theater in downtown Minneapolis (619 Hennepin Ave.) on March 23, 1956.  It was  advertised as “The screen’s first great rock ‘n’ roll feature!”  “Here’s the jet-rhythm-and-romance story that you’ll dig with delight!  The Rock ‘n’ Roll songs-and-dances that are rocking the nation!”  Alan Freed presented:

• Bill Haley and His Comets
• The Platters
• Ernie Freeman Combo
• Tony Martinez and His Band
• Freddie Bell and His Bellboys

 

 

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Kevin Carlson found these photos in the Motion Picture Herald issue dated April 28, 1956.

Caption:  “Vern Hutsinger, manager of the Gopher theatre, in Minneapolis, turned in the best action pictures of his “Rock Around the Clock” promotion – which, incidentally, swept the country, with “Rock ‘n’ Roll” addicts doing teen-age tailspins, and liking it.

 

In the first picture above, they’ve gathered in front of the theatre – and those big blobs that look like golf balls are really snow flakes, as caught by the camera in Minnesota.

 

[Above], the same youngsters are dancing in the theatre lobby – and they not only would but could, dance indefinitely to such swing music.  High school student councils and newspapers editors were appreciative of the harmless quality of this youthful exuberance, as natural publicity for a motion picture.  We’ll see you later, alligator!  After a while, crocodile!

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RIOT IN HOPKINS

On June 18, 1956, Time Magazine reported that “In Minneapolis a theater manager withdrew a film featuring the music after a gang of youngsters left the theater, snake-danced around town and smashed windows.”

After months of searching, (this was in the days before the searchable database) I found an article in the Minneapolis Star about this so-called riot.  Ironically, it was in the Star (April 25, 1956), which hated rock ‘n’ roll and didn’t even advertise the movie.  Turns out, the incident happened in Hopkins, a western suburb of Minneapolis.  I was so excited to finally find it that you’ll have to indulge me if I reprint the entire article:

Teen-agers Rock ‘n’ Roll Into Trouble

Hopkins police were attempting to pin down blame for an outbreak of “rock ‘n’ roll” vandalism in the suburb.

Windows were broken in a greenhouse and the junior high school, fences were uprooted, doorbells run and garbage cans kicked over in an outbreak of teen-age violence following a movie.

The cause of it all, according to Hopkins police superintendent Howard Puck, was a “rock ‘n’ roll”  movie, “Rock Around the Clock,” the weather (54 degrees) and, generally, spring.

The disturbance began in the Hopkins theater, Puck said, where the group of boys and girls, aged 16 to 18, were “carried way” (he meant “sent”) by the violent rhythms of Bill Haley and His Comets.

They left the theater after the first show and started a “snake dance” under the bright lights of Hopkins’ “White Way,” Excelsior Avenue.

They walked five or six abreast down the sidewalks, clearing the way until police were called out.  Puck said the celebrators numbered around 30 or 40 at times ass they gathered reinforcements.

Police forced them to “break it up,” and they dispersed into smaller groups.

Norman Gustafson, 14 Sixteenth Ave. No., florist, heard them coming down the alley near his greenhouse at Sixteenth and Excelsior, “raising the dickins” with garbage cans.

“They were singing a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ song,” said Gustafson today, “so they started rolling a few rocks at my greenhouses.  Around 20 windows were broken.”

Singing the rocking music, some of the teen-agers made for the junior high school, also on Excelsior Avenue, “rolled” more rocks at windows in the building and uprooted fences on the school grounds.

Puck said some of the celebrators were apprehended, placed on individual reports and their parents were notified.

“We’re working on it yet,” the suburban chief said, “talking to eight or 10 of those who took part.  It’s difficult to find out who actually caused the property damage, however.”

Puck said the city’s teen-agers have no place to eat, get a Coke, or congregate for all nights.  Youth activities are scheduled several nights a week, he said, but there is no place for kids to gather on other evenings.

“I’ve been talking to civic groups,” he said, “telling them about the problem.  The main problem is kids coming in from other suburban areas because of our central location.”

“Other suburban areas” meaning St. Louis Park, my hometown, no doubt!

The film was gone from the area by the end of May.  I did ask WDGY DJs Bill Diehl and Bill Armstrong if they remembered anything about this incident, and they didn’t at all.