The Lively Set, celebrating fifties and sixties movies, music and tv

- February 2001 -

by Lacy Mitchell

"One milkshake with two straws please." "Will you wear my pin?" "Let's have a beach party!"
Frankie loved Annette and everyone loved Lucy. The King of Rock 'n' Roll was shaking up the music scene. Moondoggie was crazy about that girl ... Gidget.

Those were the days - the sweet '50s and psychedelic ‘60s.
Pompadours, Beatlemania, poodle skirts, late nights at Lovers' Lane in a hotrod with Wolfman Jack blaring on the radio. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Who doesn't? Even this seventeen-year-old is hip to such jivey scenes.

There is something about this classic era that intrigues me. It seems so fresh, clean and innocent. A much happier time than today. Of course, I know it wasn't all peachy keen - maybe it is just the way television depicts it. But whatever the case I LOVE IT, and always will.

When did I first come to appreciate the '50s and '60s? I was about eight when Elvis came into my life, along with Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. They sparked my interest in wanting to learn more about these special times.

But it was Deborah Walley in Gidget Goes Hawaiian that really made it happen for me, and I began watching those silly, but great, teenage beach movies and romantic comedies. GGH was the very first one I had ever seen. The clothes - WOW! James Darren - be still my heart! I could really relate to the goodness and innocence involved. I enjoyed it more than what was on the tube today, and still do. (Deborah Walley even inspired me to dye my hair red.)

Then, of course, there were Frankie and Annette, Sandra Dee, Rock Hudson and Doris Day. And Elvis.

The music! Those silly, somewhat corny, but GREAT songs. I always felt as if I was the girl in those teenage love songs, as if they were singing them just for me. The teen dreams - Elvis, Bobby Rydell, Ricky Nelson and Bobby Darin, to name a few. They just don't come like that anymore. That's why my radio dial is tuned to an oldies station at all times.

I could go on and on as to what I love and how I feel about the '50s and '60s, but instead I'll just say 'thank you'. To the actors and actresses who have become my role models, to those those great musicians who keep my stereo jamming, to the the makers of those fabulous clothes and accessories, thank you for touching this seventeen year old's heart, mind, body and soul.

I am not sure why this era has touched some other teens today so deeply - I can only speculate. Maybe, they do not see anything worthwhile in their own time. Maybe they are simply lacking something in their lives. Or could it be - now here's a profound thought - that they, and me, actually spent an earlier incarnation in the '50s and '60s and have returned for a repeat performance?

Who knows? Only one thing's for sure. Our love for that classic era will never fade. The clothes, the music, and the great movies may have gone out of fashion, but those of us that love those times will surely keep them alive.

About the Author

Lacy Mitchell is an aspiring journalist.

She loves anything to do with the '50s and '60s, and also enjoys reading and writing stories. Lacy is well-known around her town for being an accomplished public speaker.

Her ambition is to become 'the next Barbara Walters'. In the future she hopes to interview some of the role models she adores from the classic era of the '50s and '60s.

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