X-Ray Spex Movies
Director Don Letts' documentary Punk: Attitude examines the politics, fashion, and music of this pop culture trend. He interviews and shares performance footage from a variety of famous musical acts including "Black Flag, Jello Biafra, Legs McNeil, The Ramones, and proto-punks The Stooges and New York Dolls. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
The initial shock of punk rock was beginning to wane in Britain, but the movement was still picking up steam and establishing itself as a genuine musical force when this documentary was shot in 1977 and 1978. Originally created for U.K. television, Punk: The Early Years includes interviews with musicians, fans, record-label executives, and rock journalists as they discuss the meaning and impact of punk rock. The film also features performances from the Adverts, the Slits, Generation X (featuring Billy Idol), X-Ray Spex, and Eddie and the Hot Rods. Among those interviewed are Siouxsie Sioux (from Siouxie & the Banshees), Marc Bolan of T. Rex, and early Sex Pistols associate Jordan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 1981
- R
Though principally a documentary of the Sex Pistols' 1978 American tour (the only one they did with Sid Vicious), Lech Kowalski's early-'80s film D.O.A. also covers the early punk scene as a whole. There is much footage of other early (and mostly British) punk bands, filmed far away from the Pistols' American tour, and interviews with other figures associated with the early punk scene. The Sex Pistols are seen performing much of their classic early repertoire in clubs and concert halls throughout the South, as well as at their final show in San Francisco. Other influential bands seen in the film include the Clash, the Dead Boys, the Rich Kids (with ex-Sex Pistol Glen Matlock), X-Ray Spex, Generation X, and Sham 69. There is extensive interview footage with Sid Vicious and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, shortly before their violent deaths, and scenes from the short life of failed British pub punk band Terry and the Idiots. Also included are interviews with members of the audience at the Sex Pistols shows, illustrating how reaction to the group ran the gamut from enthusiasm to venomous disapproval. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sham 69, Generation X, (more)
- 1978
Musician and filmmaker Don Letts made this Super 8 documentary of the London punk rock scene in 1977. Shot mostly at the Roxy, a short-lived punk club that hosted every important rock band in the neighborhood, The Punk Rock Movie captures an exciting moment in the development of some artists that are still imitated and adulated today. While the Sex Pistols and the Clash are likely to be the most familiar names in attendance, The Punk Rock Movie spends plenty of time on some legendary acts that never licked the same brass ring. Fans of the under-documented Johnny Thunders will want to see the footage of the Heartbreakers live on tour in England. Siouxsie & the Banshees, X-Ray Spex, and Eater are other notable rockers who are seen in rare early performances. Backstage revelry and tour bus boredom is preserved as well, with the dark side represented by unflinching scenes of drugs and self-abuse. Most of the film is live, loud, breakneck rock, featuring some energetic footage of the Sex Pistols at the height of their hype and the Clash set for stun and gathering its army. ~ Fred Beldin, Rovi
- 1977
This music themed release offers some of the most memorable performances by the biggest figures in the landmark London punk scene in the 1970's. Some of the artists featured include The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam, The Boomtown Rats, and The X-Ray Specs. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi
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