The NME reveals that Marty Wilde loses out to Cliff Richard in the starring role in the new film “Expresso Bongo.”:

CLIFF RICHARD has secured a starring role in the screen version of "Expresso Bongo." Cliff edges out Marty Wilde, who was also considered for the leading part of Bongo Herbert. Instead, Marty has a new screen role lined up in another big feature film - "Paradise for Baby."

The screen version of "Expresso Bongo" will greatly differ from the successful stage satire. Producer Val Guest told the NME: "A complete new score is being written and will incorporate only three of the original numbers." Cliff's own famous accompanying group, The Drifters, join him in the film. A number of other big beat personalities, not yet chosen, will also be featured.

Before making a final decision between the two rock singers, producer Guest saw both Cliff's film " Serious Charge," now awaiting release, and rushes of Marty's current picture, "Jetstream," which is still in production. "I chose Cliff because I saw him as the most likely of the two to fit the part," Guest said. "I thought they were both excellent on the screen."

"Expresso Bongo" filming is expected to begin on location in Soho on August 10, followed by interior shooting at Shepperton Studios. No contracts have actually been signed yet, but Peter Sellers and Diane Cilento are expected to co-star with Cliff.

Marty Wilde is to star in "Paradise for Baby" for Hughie Green Productions. Shooting is set to begin on June 1. This film is about rival dance halls and has been under discussion for many months. Now both terms and script have been approved by Marty's agent, Larry Parnes. Tomorrow (Saturday) a final script conference is to be held. It is expected that other top name signings will be announced next week.

'OH BOY!' SHOW # 27  (Compered by Jimmy Henney)

ABC CATALOGUE SHOW NUMBER 2. (of 13)

RESIDENT WEEKLY BAND & PERFORMERS:
Red Price,
The Dallas Boys,
Neville Taylor & The Cutters,
Cherry Wainer,
The Vernons Girls.

THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL GUESTS:
Bill Forbes
Billy Fury
Chris Andrews
Don Lang
Peter Elliott
Terry & Freddy
Tony Sheridan

This is the second show of 13 recorded for export to the United States. It is probable that this original telerecording, once catalogued with ABC at Teddington, Middlesex until 1968, may be in the private hands of someone in the United Kingdom.

Also some of the 13 copies sent to America are known to exist and in the possession of a private collector in Arizona or New Mexico.

Newcomer Chris Andrews makes his debut appearance. He would also appear in show 30 (4th April 1959) singing a cover of Cliff Richard’s “Move It.”  This 4th April edition is the first surviving show of two found in a search of the British archives.

Terry and Freddy (Adam Faith and Freddy Lloyd)  make their one and only appearance in the series.

The news that “Oh Boy!” has been sold to America belatedly makes the headlines in NME:

Later this year telerecordings of the "Oh Boy!" series are likely to be shown regularly in America, the first British musical TV show to be so honoured. Films of recent shows have already been shown to executives of U.S. networks. ABC expect to sign contracts very shortly.

Programmes would not be transmitted there for some time. A big snag is artists' contracts and musical copyrights which, though valid in Britain, might not necessarily apply in America. When the new series starts in September provision will be made for American repeats.

Tommy Steele appears again on "Oh Boy!" on April 4, with Lonnie Donegan scheduled for a fortnight later as part of Jack Good's policy of booking big stars.
Steele was the first star producer Jack Good introduced to guest on the show, when he debuted on November 1. Donegan's only previous appearance in the series was during February.

Also booked for the April show is Dean Webb, a new rock singer being managed by John Foster, who was associated with Cliff Richard's early career.
Two MDs - Bill Shepherd and Harry Robinson - have been attending "Oh Boy!" rehearsals this week. ABC-TV announce that Shepherd and John Barry will be among the arrangers for the show in future.

The company has failed to name Robinson's successor as musical director of the series at press time.

In the High Court on Tuesday, the dispute between Harry Robinson and Jack Good over the name "Lord Rockingham" was put back a week.

Good's counsel, Mr. Neil Lawson, Q.C., told Mr. Justice Vaisey the parties had come to terms in principle.