ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN: THE CHESS RECORDS SAGA (2010)
A superb documentary and a terrific only-in-America story of assimilation and enterprise
THE GUARDIAN
“This documentary thrillingly evokes a time & place
RADIO TIMES
This textbook BBC4 doc is a wonderfully uplifting parable of underdog unity
TIME OUT
Picks Of The Day / Critics Choice
THE TIMES, GUARDIAN GUIDE (COVER FEATURE), THE INDEPENDENT

A film made for the 60th anniversary of the world famous Chess Records. It traces the epic tale of this hugely influential Chicago rock n’ roll & blues record label, revealing how two industrious Polish immigrant brothers, Leonard & Phil Chess, brought Chuck Berry, Etta James, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley to the world.

Exploring the label’s struggles, emotional highpoints & tragedies, ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN: THE CHESS RECORDS SAGA brings to life each historical period from the late 1940’s to the late 1960’s, digging deep into the sweeping racial & social changes of the times.

Interviewees include Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Marshall Chess, Mick Hucknall, Steve Van Zandt & Billy Boy Arnold.

DIRECTOR & PRODUCER: James Maycock

BROADCASTER: BBC TV / BBC Four

PROGRAMME DURATION: 60 minutes

PRODUCTION COMPANY: BBC Factual

BBC EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Paul Bullock

BBC CONTROLLER / COMMISSIONER: Richard Klein


Clips

Jimmy Page Loves Hoochie Coochie Man


Marshall Chess’s Road Trip With His Father – Reconstruction


The Cultural Impact Of Chuck Berry’s Maybellene