2hotFeature
one of my absolute favorites!
Aedonerre
I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Teddie Blake
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
David198
I managed to catch this on TV again recently, having not seen it for many years.Rather surprisingly it doesn't look particularly dated, and the storyline still packs a punch. Both David Essex and Adam Faith are good in their roles, and there's never a dull moment on screen. But whatever happened to Ines des Longchamps who played Jim's girlfriend? (Not much, according to the IMDb!)Two very big flaws however stand out on this viewing.Firstly, the songs which apparently sold millions for Jim Maclaine and the Stray Cats just aren't very good or very memorable. The story is obviously based on the Beatles' rise to fame, and for them as well as for every other pop group of the day, it wasn't just a pretty face but catchy, hummable songs that took them to the heights. Jim's are either covers or very weak.And as someone has already mentioned, the crowds at the 'Pollwinners concert' clearly weren't 1960s young people. Obviously the filmmakers just rounded up a crowd when they made the film in 1974 and got them to come and see David Essex. Presumably it would have been far too expensive to dress them in the fashions of a decade before.These two flaws apart, it's a good film, if not your standard popcorn-munching Saturday night fare.
englishman48
A great follow-up to "That'll Be The Day", the film that leads into this movie. I highly recommend this film to all fans of rock culture and David Essex. He proves he was not only a good singer, but a fairly accomplished actor as well. I have only seen this film about 30 times myself, but repeated viewings are recommended. The film is hard to find, but if you do, don't hesitate - just enjoy!
secordman
Stardust starts off beautifully. Jim McLaine (David Essex) is working at a carnival in England where business is slow that night, as it is Nov. 22, 1963. In the background is Neil Sedaka singing "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen". McLaine meets an old mate (Adam Faith) and tells him the little rock and roll band he's in needs a road manager. Faith sees opportunity and moulds the band known as the Stray Cats into a vehicle for Jim McLaine. There are so many great and true to life moments in this movie, the early recording sessions, Faith's behind the scenes manoeuvering, Larry Hagman arriving when the Stray Cats make it big to muscle in on things, and Jim McLaine's typical 1960's rock and roll odyssey. Essex and Faith are excellent (who says rockers can't act?) and it's a still relevent look at the "star maker machinery behind the popular songs". This picture is a sequel to That'll Be the Day, which is more about McLaine's coming of age in early 60's England, that is a great movie in it's own right, but the two can be watched independently of each other. Very highly recommended. Oh yes, the ending is as well directed, dramatic and atmospheric as the beginning. Great job Michael Apted!
iannicholls
Now sadly dated, this movie is STILL one of the best "Rock'n'Roll" movies ever made. The added bonus of seeing that the rockers from the 50s and 60s could act as well as sing made it all the sweeter. Although this was David Essex' starring role, I believe the show was stolen by Adam Faith who gave a completely believable performance as Mike. Lots of excellent music in here, especially the stuff by the Stray Cats (band for the movie). Worth watching 30 or 40 times IF you can find a copy.
