The Butterfly Ball

I understand this is an early Rock opera but the director who made it is strictly out of the amateur hour. The shots, the editing, the lack of continuity and the script? Puh-lease! There is no script for this deck. I can't believe I wasted the few minutes I did on this poorly produced and directed drivel. If you want to see a good Rock Opera, please watch "Tommy" and skip this crime against culture.

The Rock Operas of the 1970's gave us such legendary productions as Jesus Christ Superstar, Ziggy Stardust, Tommy and Pink Floyd's The Wall. The Butterfly Ball doesn't measure up to any of them by a long shot. Unlike the films mentioned, the Butterfly Ball falls victim to a novice director with no vision or discernible talent. Skip this rubbish and see one of the classics I listed.

Oh dear. Poor Vincent Price. How did he wind up in this hackneyed film called "The Butterfly Ball"? Though he is a bright spot in this very unappealing film, nothing can save this production from the talent less hack who directed it. Speaking of the hack, Tony Klinger, he makes a big splash with his name all over the opening credits and glosses over the notables. If only his ability was a big as his ego it could have been a better production but I sincerely doubt it.

Sources say the rock opera album is based on the children's poem "The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast".

The film is good if you like mellow psychedelic music although some of it is hard rock. Deep Purple's Ian Gillan & Ronnie James Dio have performances in the film, as well as the famous model Twiggy. The film is narrated by Vincent Price.

It's a pretty cool film if you are looking for something completely different, a bit psychedelic, 1970s music and like concerts/rock operas.

"Love Is All"... sums this film & album up nicely.

7/10

Probably because I was born the same year, or because I saw it over and over again on French television when there was a technical problem, I have got a sentimental value towards this animation/anime. The video is based on the book of the same name, so the characters are pretty much alike. It is mixed with weird human-like animals/insects and fantastic lyrics by Roger Glover, a certain enthusiasm radiates from the whole. The animation is great, it puts you in a fantastic mood for the day and I would encourage anyone to find the LPs or the new upcoming DVD of the 1976 concert, or go to the Roger Glover website, there are a lot of news flying around. When watching the video, try to spot all the references (three blind mice, the beauty dancing with the beast, the dancing tankard, masquerade, carnival, etc). I just love it! Highly recommended.