THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
UK, 1976, 96 minutes, Black and White and Colour.
The Who, Steve Martin, Melvyn Bragg, Jeremy Paxman.
Directed by Jeff Stein.
The Kids Are Alright is a documentary compilation of performance material, documentary footage and interviews with British rock group, The Who. One of the film's values is its overview of pop culture, especially music, in the '60s and '70s via the very popular group The Who. The film presupposes- a knowledge of the group, its music and its reputation. The film also highlights media coverage, promotion and advertising as well as popularity.
A great deal of television footage from the '60s and '70s is incorporated into the flow of this documentary. It obviously makes for interesting material and for interesting comparisons. The Who's music is featured to advantage - in itself and in performance. It highlights the development of technique, responding to audience styles, influencing the styles of the '60s and 170s, especially with Tommy.
The music incorporated into the film is My Generation, Can't Explain, Baba O'Riley, Tommy Can You Hear Me, Pinball Wizard, You're Not Gonna Take It, Substitute, I'm A Boy, Pictures Of Lily, I Can See For Miles, Magic Bus, Happy Jack, A Quick One While He's Away, Sparks, Who Are You, Won't Get Fooled Again, Long Live Rock, Shout And Shimmy, Young Man Blues, Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere, Success Story, Heat Wave, Cobwebs and Strange, Barbara Ann, The Road Runner.
The film highlights each member of the group and the particular personality and style of the man. It also highlights each's influence and capacity for playing. Pete Townshend emerges as a strong spokesman for the group with articulate observation about music, culture. Keith Moon emerges as a very funny man indeed, having the lunatic touch. This is especially seen in the interview with Russell Harty, during ordinary interactions and on tour, during recording sessions. Roger Daltrey appears as rather straightforward and Jon Entwistle seems to stay in the
background.
The film offers various theories about the popularity of music, its emergence, Woodstock and its aftermath, the changes in the 170s. There are also themes of violence and the impact of such music on the younger generation. There are implications, not mentioned in the film, of Keith Moon's death from drugs. There are quite a number of guests who give their views including Tommy Smothers, Jimmy O'Neill, Russell Harty, Melvyn Bragg, Ringo Starr, Keith Richard, Steve Martin, Ken Russell.
The Who were involved in Ken Russell's film of their Tommy. They also produced Quadrophenia and Roger Daltrey as Mc Vicar. This film was written, researched, produced and directed by Jeff Stein.
