Lambert & Stamp

Such a wonderful documentary film which totally captivated me from start to finish. The most fascinating story behind the Who is that of Chris Stamp & Kit Lambert. Just brilliant who knew what went on behind the scenes in the discovery, management and success of THE WHO BAND! To see all the footage from the late 1960's Mod explosion, the dynamics and energy from Chris, Kit and the rock' n roll band was all so emotionally moving. You walk away experiencing the evolution of a band feeling their vision, passion, determination and hard work. I can't wait to see it again and I recommend it to all! A film not to miss! Keep your eye out it will be coming to a theater near you!

Who are The Who? They're Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp. Of course, you first come up with the names Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey because they actually play that wickedly-good rock. However the first two names in this essay are the founders of The Who, filmmakers with a dream to make a rock documentary but sidetracked into managing one of the best rock bands ever.

Director James D. Cooper hits the right notes: plenty of talking head from handsome, articulate Chris Stamp (brother of famous Terence, who appears with commentary), entertaining clips from the band's early years, and a thriller of a break up story (almost required of all rock band stories, fact or fiction). Never could anyone be bored with such a complex, fascinating rags-to-riches tale.

Pete Townshend, not much to look at as a young man but distinguished now with a naughty glint, gives as much as Stamp, especially when we try to understand the dynamic that led to the breakup. Although the posh Kit Lambert, whose dad was Constant Lambert the maestro, was an intrepid entrepreneur, he pushed himself to early death with cigs and drugs. During the growth times, however, he pushed the band into unknown territory. As did the better thinker, Stamp.

Although Kit Lambert died before the making of this doc, he is so carefully edited in as to make it seem he was here all the time. Stamp is especially effective as we are taken through the creation of the mega-hit rock musical Tommy and the release of Lambert & Stamp from the organization. The Who buying Shepperton Studios, where the founders met, is a nice piece of irony. Lambert's brainy discussion of class and youth with its manifestation in the "mod" era directed by the youth of London elevates the documentary from curiosity to demanding to be heard to understanding the wild youth of London.

The British Navy ruled the waves for hundreds of years. The British also ruled the waves in the 60s, the airwaves. This doc gives you insight into the incredible management team of Kit Lambert and Christopher Stamp. I think any one studying management or leadership would benefit from all the insights presented in the film.

Kit Lambert came from an aristocratic background; private schools, Oxford, British Army and adventure trek up the Amazon (this could be a movie all by itself). Christopher Stamp from a rough working background, his dad was a tugboat captain. The family survived the Blitz and his brother Terence began a film career in 1962, so the future looked promising. He met Kit at the Shepperton Film Studios, where they were both working on film projects. You can almost feel how the pair worked from various clips in the film. Chris was the charismatic charmer and Kit won the trust of the artists and helped shape a vision. They planned their project with the Who with a multimedia approach, years ahead of their time.

I think the two most revealing moments in the doc were the two interviews with the German and French crews. Kit described his total philosophy in impeccable German and French, no mean feat in itself. Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry also give invaluable insight into the formation and development of the WHO. I remember seeing the WHO in Montreal around 1967 at the Forum. It was a sensational show, and yes Pete put his guitar through the amp! Cool!

The fact that my wife sat with me and watched this documentary is a bit of a shock. After all, she hates music like the stuff sung by The Who and couldn't relate to "Lambert & Stamp" in any discernible way. Yet, it did pique her interest and it's a film that may appeal to you...be you a Who fan or not.

The film is about two men who helped to create The Who, created their personas and fostered Pete Townsend's songwriting abilities. They managed the band for about a decade--from total obscurity to superstardom. It also is about the group's falling out and eventually firing these men they loved and once respected. See the film and see why.

Unfortunately, while the film is quite good, many of the particulars involved are dead...several through drug abuse. Fortunately, they did have some footage of Stamp before his recent death as well as the participation of Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend and a few others. All in all, it makes for an interesting and diverting film.

"Lambert & Stamp"rocks your soul, moves your heart, captures your attention with raw, authentic and vibrant communications between rock icons and visionary wizard managers opening their hearts and history in a never-seen-before transparent way. Chris Stamp & Kit Lambert are pioneers in the music world and initiators of the first UK independent record label "Track Records". The magic of their co-creation, THE WHO, Jimi Hendrix, Thunderclap Newman, Arthur Brown and more. Director James D. Cooper was the only film maker trusted to make this film. Producer Loretta Harms dedicated 10 years of her life holding the privately financed, sacred, creative flow of this extraordinary film. Oscar nominated Hollywood Film editor Chris Tellefsen did a vibrant job of editing the film brilliantly.A work of art!!!! A must see!!!