Imagine a combination of "The Sopranos," "Hairspray," "Jailhouse Rock," and (name your favorite) interview show. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time -- this film is fast, slick, fascinating and full of surprising information -- often told by people like Van Morrison and 'Little Steven" van Zandt.
There were SO many surprises, so many incredible stories, so many rich details about what the music industry was like in the late 50s to mid-60s...and if you love the music -- you'll just be in heaven. The cliché "you'll laugh! you'll cry!" was literally true.
Never a dull moment -- it just flew by, layer building upon layer until it was -- over. Over.
I saw this screened as part of the Mill Valley International Film Festival -- and it looked like everyone else was glued to their seats and literally did not want to believe this had ended, we just wanted more.
Mill Valley is not some little burg -- it's an extremely wealthy, arty enclave located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from Mill Valley. Lotta famous musicians, lotta millionaires, very international and people who are highly sophisticated and know film (and art in general)
Bob Sarles -- who edited it with his wife, Christina -- was there. I think 95% of the audience in the big theater (in the neighboring town of Larkspur) stayed to hear the Q&A -- and those were equally fascinating.
Can't tell you how highly I recommend this film -- or how many people I've recommended it to who have thanked me.
GREAT entertainment -- and a really important piece of American musical history!