The Dave Clark Five and Beyond: Glad All Over

Actor and drummer Dave Clark formed the Dave Clark Five during the musical explosion known as the British Invasion, and he managed the group into becoming one of the most successful rock bands of its era. They had 15 straight Top 20 hits (including “Glad All Over”) between 1964 and 1966, more than any other band except The Beatles, yet their high-energy pop-oriented rock ‘n' roll has been overshadowed by less popular but more inventive and influential bands. This documentary, directed and produced by Clark himself for British TV and aired in the U.S. on PBS, looks back at the band and their influence through new interviews with such music legends as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, along with mainly archival interviews with members of the DC5 (most of whom had already died when Clark was making the film). It's full of interesting information but little insight, more notable for its nostalgic wealth of archival performances and film and TV clips, as well as the small spotlight it shines on Mike Smith, the band's underrated lead singer. But the real focus here is on Clark himself, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group's original songs, served as producer, maintained ownership of their catalog, and after disbanding the DC5 at the end of the ‘60s went on to write and produce the stage musical Time. It's not quite autobiography, but just as Clark controlled every aspect of the band's career, he's now in essence controlling its history. Even so, this is a solid music documentary that will be a welcome addition to pop culture collections. Extras include extended interviews, performances, and archival footage from Time. Sure to find favor with Baby Boomers, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)