The Action were an English band of the 1960s, formed as The Boys in August 1963, in Kentish Town, North West London. They were part of the mod subculture, and played soul music-influenced pop music.
The band was formed as The Boys in August 1963, in Kentish Town, North West London. After Peter Watson (born 18 October 1941, Romford, Essex) joined them as an additional guitarist in 1965, they changed their name to The Action. The original members were Reg King (lead vocals) (born Reginald King, 5 February 1945, Paddington, West London, died, 8 October 2010, Belvedere, Kent), Alan 'Bam' King (lead guitar, vocals) (born Alan King, 18 September 1945, Muswell Hill, North London), Mike "Ace" Evans (bass guitar, vocals) (born Michael Evans, 10 July 1944, Henley, Berkshire, died 15 January 2010, London) and Roger Powell (drums) (born 4 July 1945, Camden Town, North West London).
Shortly after their formation, they signed to Parlophone with producer George Martin. "Land of a Thousand Dances" b/w "In My Lonely Room" was well received by critics, but sold poorly. None of the Action's singles achieved success in the UK Singles Chart.
Who's Got the Action? (1962) is a comedy film about a man suffering from an addiction to gambling starring Dean Martin, Lana Turner, Eddie Albert, and Walter Matthau. The film was written by Alexander Rose and Jack Rose, and directed by Daniel Mann.
The gambling habit of lawyer Steve Flood (Dean Martin) is beginning to get on the nerves of his wife Melanie (Lana Turner), who initially suspects him of marital infidelity. When she learns about the gambling, Melanie talks Steve's law partner Clint Morgan (Eddie Albert), an old flame, into helping her act as a fictitious horse race bookie offering unusually attractive terms to clients.
The plan is for Steve to lose enough money to permanently rid him of the betting habit, but it goes awry when he suddenly begins winning bets on a number of long-shot horses. Flood’s winning streak attracts the attention of two horse-playing judges, Boatwright (Paul Ford) and Fogel (John McGiver), who persuade Flood to place bets for them with his mysterious “bookie.” Melanie and Morgan are astounded when the judges begin winning large wagers as well.
Now, there's a jumpin' little place I go
Called The Action
It's just about a mile or so
Down the street
And there's a part goin' on in there
Down a lot of funky stairs
And everything will be rare
Till the break of dawn
Now, you don't want to walk on down
To The Action
'Cause once you get in there
You're gonna want to use your feet
And when the music starts a gettin' hot
There's gonna burn up everything you got
And you ain't gonna want to stop
Till the break of dawn
They're doin' the pony
Watch 'em do the jerk
Then they get down on the floor
And they go to work
Sister's doin' the alligator
Up on the table top
Lot of Farfisa racket
Don't never stop
We're goin' down to Santa Ana
Way down to Eagle Rock
Way out in Montebello
And down in Huntington Park
Out in El Sereno
Better show 'em what you got
Out on Whittier Boulevard
The action never stops
Down at The Action
Meet you down at The Action
Don't want to end up in traction