Marshall Chess Movies
Directed by TV veteran Darnell Martin, the musical drama Cadillac Records documents the compelling true-life story of the Chicago record label that helped the world discover such legendary artists as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Chuck Berry. Founded in 1950 by Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), Chess Records quickly gained a reputation as home to some of the most talented and influential blues artists ever to step into a recording studio. But giving these musicians an opportunity to bring their music to the world was no easy task, because along the way there was enough sex, drugs, and rock & roll to ensure that things around Chess Records never got boring. Featuring Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Gabrielle Union as Geneva Wade, Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, and Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, (more)
- 2003
Part of The Blues documentary film series on PBS, Godfathers and Sons is directed by Marc Levin. This installment explores the Chicago blues, the influence of Chess Records, and the connection between blues and hip-hop. Revolutionary rap group Public Enemy notes the 1968 Muddy Waters album Electric Mud as a major influence on the development of their sound. Working closely with Chess Records heir Marshall Chess, along with Public Enemy's Chuck D, Levin travels to Chicago to make a record with contemporary hip-hop artists and veteran blues musicians. Modern electric blues rockers Sam Lay, Magic Slim, and Koko Taylor provide performances and interviews. Includes archival footage of Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Godfathers and Sons was originally broadcast by PBS on October 2, 2003. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1974
This documentary chronicles the 1972 US concert tour of one of the world's most enduringly popular rock-n-roll bands. Original prints of the film had quadriphonic sound. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- The Rolling Stones
- 1972
The behind-the-scenes activities of the Rolling Stones on their 1972 American tour are the focus of this quasi-documentary film which has had limited showings due to a lawsuit brought by the band, doubtlessly on the advice of their lawyers. Thus, its official release date (if any) is open to question. While some concert footage is included, it mostly focuses on the backstage and offstage behavior (and misbehavior) of the band and its road crew. Despite the film's cinéma vérité tone, some of the events filmed are clearly staged by the groupies, road crew, and band just for the benefit of the cameras. For that reason, it is difficult to tell how accurate a depiction of the Stones' mid '70s on-tour behavior this is. Among the misbehaviors chronicled are hotel room trashings, and the airplane abduction of giggling, screaming and naked groupies for carnal purposes, as well as assorted drug scenes. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- The Rolling Stones, Marshall Chess, (more)
