Rock 'N' Roll Revolution: The British Invade America

 ((Thurs. (16), 9-10 p.m. , CBS))

By PHIL GALLO

Filmed by Andrew Solt Prods. in association with Sofa Entertainment. Executive producer director-writer, Andrew Solt; producer, Greg Vines; editor, Leslie Tong; art director, Scott Storey. #Hosts: Graham Nash, Michelle Phillips. The interest generated by the Beatles docu on ABC and release of three anthology discs seemingly prompts CBS' move into sweeps with this hourlong doc. Title is misleading: Special rambles superficially through rock 'n' roll on both sides of the pond between 1962 and '66 without explaining whys and hows of the Brit invasion. Producer Andrew Solt oversaw the syndie 10-parter "History of Rock and Roll," and this spec not only follows that series' stream-of-consciousness flow from subject to subject, but also borrows liberally from the longer doc's footage and interviews. Like "History,""Rock 'n' Roll Revolution" has some great clips -- John and Paul saying the Beatles might as well be named the Shoes; Bob Dylan answering "136" to a journalist's question of how many protest singers are working -- but Brit-invasion seg of 10-parter had a greater focus and delivered more in terms of vintage tapes of perfs.
 

Show meanders from Beatles to Gerry and the Pacemakers to the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Byrds, the Hollies (have to work host Graham Nash's band in there), Lovin' Spoonful, James Brown (he's the example of the only act who didn't change because of the British influence), Supremes and co-host Michelle Phillips' band, the Mamas and the Papas. You are correct in assuming they are neither from the U.K. nor a good example of Brit influence.

As an examination of the development of the origins of a music-driven youth culture, the footage is in place; as a provider of insight into the development of British rock 'n' roll, docu falls way short.