The 1960 musical ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ starred Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde. They took their Broadway success and turned it into a Hollywood movie. Many things changed in the movie version, but the song ‘What’s the Matter with Kids Today?’ remained a showstopper!
Before Dick and Paul sing the song, young star Ann-Margret announces to the family that she’s dyed her hair. Paul gets very upset, and Ann-Margret says, ‘But it’s my hair!’ Paul replies, ‘Not until you’re 21! Young lady, you stay in your room until it changes back!’
The iconic song begins, and the two great comic actors deliver an energetic performance filled with humor. They start singing, ‘Kids! I don’t know what’s wrong with these kids today! Kids! Who can understand anything they say?’
Dick Van Dyke is dressed in a suit while Paul Lynde is in his pajamas and bathrobe. Paul sings first, adding comical facial expressions and a funny vocal tone.
Dick Van Dyke joins in and sings along with his mother, who is trying to give him a guilt trip over his girlfriend. Along for the ride is Paul Lynde’s son in the movie, who adds some great lines.
The movie version of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ was released in 1963 and inspired by the drafting of Elvis Presley into the Army in 1957. However, Elvis refused to be in the movie because it was a parody of his career.
Every parent who ever lived has wondered, ‘What’s the matter with kids today?’ These two comic legends deliver a hysterical song that sums up the parental experience known by all.
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