Though the ukulele may have a reputation as a silly instrument, this film bestows sweet grandeur to this most novel of all "novelty" instruments and counters skepticism with wry testimonial. We learn that an inordinate number of off-kilter types find their way to the instrument sooner or later, playing everything from old-fashioned 1930s lullabies sung in near-whispers to irreverent takes on Dead Kennedys songs. The film takes us on a road trip to visit these musicians, including a "ukulele chanteuse," and a man who promotes "Ukulele Consciousness," a belief system that sees the underdog instrument as a beacon to spiritual serenity. Before the film will be a performance by onetime teen idol and Ricky Nelson pal, Robin Luke, whose 1958 hit, "Susie Darlin'" featured him on ukulele and sold 2.5 million records. (PS)
Rock That Uke (official site)
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