That'll Be The Day

Amazon.com

Named after a Buddy Holly song and set to a score of early American rock hits, Claude Whatham's story of a restless working-class lad in Britain the late 1950s (reportedly inspired by the early life of John Lennon) is a portrait dissatisfaction and disaffection. Real-life rocker David Essex (of the hit single "Rock On") stars as a Jim MacLaine, a schoolboy who chucks it all in a spontaneous rebellion. Not so much an angry young man as simply frustrated and directionless, he drifts through seasonal jobs, scamming girls with his veteran carnival buddy (a cocky Ringo Starr with rocker sideburns) and killing time in dance clubs. The overwhelming emptiness finally sends him wandering back to his dreary hometown for a more respectable life, but it's no better fit. While music is never the focus of the film, the nascent rock & roll scene simmers around the edges through American records and British cover bands (Billy Fury and Keith Moon appear in cameos). The drab small towns and chilly seaside holiday camps evoke a stifling sense of conformity and social stagnation--think of it as a uniquely British take on Rebel Without a Cause--that becomes the crucible for the rebellious British rock & roll explosion around the corner. It's considered to be one of the great rock films, and it spawned a sequel, Stardust. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

This isn't supposed to be about a good guy.......2007-02-02

Seems everyone who denigrates this movie at all, does so bc Essex's character is such a scumbag. That's what makes it real. I felt I was almost watching a documentary.

One for the time capsule.......2006-11-10

David Essex stars in this movie about a young knockabout in 60s Britain who is attracted to rock and roll, mainly as a way of avoiding the responsibilities of work and adulthood in general. The movie has a great authentic atmosphere, but the viewpoint about the main character is not clear. It's removed, almost documentary tone reminded me of "Georgie Girl."
Ringo Starr has a featured role as a carnival worker who befriends him and shows him the ropes. He is outstanding, and made me wish he had more movie roles like this one.

Good Period Rock 'N' Roll Drama.......2004-10-30

This film evokes the fifties rock 'n' roll period quite well, thank you. The film tells the story of a disaffected youth (David Essex) who runs away from the monotony of his "normal life" and it's inherent responsibilities. He finds himself working odd jobs at a seaside carnival where he befriends another kindred soul(Ringo Starr). Later, he gets his girlfriend pregnant and finds the responsibility of husband and father so overbearing when he hears the clarion call of rock 'n' roll. David Essex is quite excellent in the lead role, and the film is at pains not to portray his decisions as noble ones. What I don't get is that Essex's character is supposed to be a John Lennon type but I just don't see it. Ringo gives probably his best screen appearance, ever! It's the first time I've seen a film he's appeared in where you think he's in character and not an extension of his Beatles persona. It's also good to see Keith Moon in a nice little cameo. I'm still waiting for the film's sequel, "Stardust" to come out on DVD.

Not exactly rock and roll.......2003-12-31

Other than a brief, but tantalizing few scenes with Billy Fury, there isn't much charisma in the stars. I bought this dvd for the Billy Fury scenes. Billy is incredible. His image and performances are vital. Wish they'd had just footage of his performances as a bonus on the dvd. David Essex plays his role well, but the character is very unlikable. Ringo is excellent.

Disappointing.......2003-09-05

I really wanted to enjoy this film. I've always been very passionate about music, and always wanted to be a musician, myself. I purchased this DVD due to the reviews here and elsewhere, but I have to say I was disappointed.

The film is long..and boring. It is not a rock and roll film, per se. I was expecting that mid-way through the film, the character of Jim will have started a rock band and have played a major role in helping to bring about the British Invasion. Not so. This is just a story about a directionless young man who quits school, gets seasonal jobs to support himself, engages in cheap sex, watches (and does nothing) as his friend Mike (Ringo) gets beaten up by customers, comes home after two years, marries and has a kid, then leaves them and everyone else to embark on his rock and roll dream. END OF PICTURE.

The music is great and the film DOES have potential. But I think it would have been better served to have half of the movie reflect Jim's disillusionment and aimlessness, and the other half reflect what happened as a result of this. As it stands, watching this film is like going to the theatre, and having to leave just as the movie starts. You never get to see what becomes of Jim as he embraces his new-found "freedom". For that, I guess you have to see the sequel they mention.

I love David Essex in this movie. He's very cute and a good actor. Disappointing, however, was his character. He's not a very sympathetic "bloke"; rather, he's self-absorbed, deceitful and a cheat..and certainly not anyone you can depend upon in your time of need.

Ringo does a great turn and it's interesting to see him in this context. I am a big Beatle fan, and I enjoyed seeing him in something different and stretching his obvious acting abilities.

That said, I think this movie could have been much better. To add insult to injury, they listed "Rock On" as being in the movie, but nowhere do you hear it played in the film. Perhaps it was in the sequel, but then the makers of this film should not have deceived the public into thinking it is heard in the film, because it isn't.

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

This isn't supposed to be about a good guy.......2007-02-02

Seems everyone who denigrates this movie at all, does so bc Essex's character is such a scumbag. That's what makes it real. I felt I was almost watching a documentary.

One for the time capsule.......2006-11-10

Good Period Rock 'N' Roll Drama.......2004-10-30

Not exactly rock and roll.......2003-12-31

Disappointing.......2003-09-05

Ringo does a great turn and it's interesting to see him in this context. I am a big Beatle fan, and I enjoyed seeing him in something different and stretching his obvious acting abilities.

Maybe a second viewing of this film will put things in better perspective for me, but for now, this is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Average customer rating:
Candy / That'll Be The Day ( Ringo Starr 2 Pack )

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0002524UM

Product Description

-Candy: -Theatrical Trailer, -Radio Spots, -Still Gallery, -Talent Bios ..---.. -That'll Be The Day: -Theatrical Trailer

DVD:

DVD

DVD