The film itself was a relatively run-of-the-mill atypical rebel picture of its age focusing on the new ‘wild’ youth. Its leadman, Glenn Ford, whilst a respected Hollywood actor was hardly a poster boy for the teenage crowd. Other worthwhile British films to watch out for are Sidney J Furie’s, 1962 film The Boys and Basil Dearden’s Violent Playground both of which give a distinctly British take on the Teddy Boy youth culture. As you can imagine for many working-class lads this was an expensive outlay rarely were the suits off the peg. It was more common that local tailors would offer tailor-made options for the aspiring Teddy Boys. It wasn’t unusual for Teddy Boys to be paying for their suits all year round. But the mothers of the teenage girls weren't about to take any chances; Don't you bring no Teddy Boy's here, my mother used to say.....you're right....they were teddy bears compared to their equivalent today. For so many, it was about style and the look, Remember the shoes, my cousin had 'beetle crushers', and the quiff and DA haircut, we missed it all, become a Mod when I left school in ‘65, most of the ones in our area just liked the clothes.

For many of the Teddy Boys and Girls trouble was the last thing on their mind. They were enjoying the glories of youth and the freedom the end of WWII had afforded them.

Teddy Boys

For many more, it was about the look, the music and of course the girls... My big brother was a Teddy Boy, he was one for girls, music and football. He never got into trouble though. Always immaculate when he went out.