Stardust: Une idole face à la foule

The word 'uneven,' was never so appropriate. An excellent performance from Adam Faith and some good earthy dialogue, very real for the time, alongside some wooden delivery from others in places with all the clunky cliches of the rock bio. One odd thing thing is that relatively recent low-budget British films such as Teslstar and several others have created a 60s atmosphere and appearance so much better than was achieved for this film, made in 1974. I saw it on its original release and we noticed the jarring period-inappropriate extras and other stuff even then.

The film gets better though as it goes on, everyone seems more comfortable showing 70s people in 70s settings and the main character's gradual dislodgement from reality is well handled.

As a very young viewer of this film at 19 in 1974 when this film was released, I saw it at the theater as there was no such thing as video tape in those days. David Essex performance had a profound effect on me as did the films plot in general. The deep insight into the life of a famous rock n roll star as can only be experienced by that individual was both riveting to me at the time and has been indelibly etched in my mind ever since. As a matter of fact i have been looking for a copy of this film on video ever since videos inception with no success to this day. A truly captivating and entertaining film if you can find it!

A great follow-up to "That'll Be The Day", the film that leads into this movie. I highly recommend this film to all fans of rock culture and David Essex. He proves he was not only a good singer, but a fairly accomplished actor as well. I have only seen this film about 30 times myself, but repeated viewings are recommended. The film is hard to find, but if you do, don't hesitate - just enjoy!

Stardust starts off beautifully. Jim McLaine (David Essex) is working at a carnival in England where business is slow that night, as it is Nov. 22, 1963. In the background is Neil Sedaka singing "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen". McLaine meets an old mate (Adam Faith) and tells him the little rock and roll band he's in needs a road manager. Faith sees opportunity and moulds the band known as the Stray Cats into a vehicle for Jim McLaine. There are so many great and true to life moments in this movie, the early recording sessions, Faith's behind the scenes manoeuvering, Larry Hagman arriving when the Stray Cats make it big to muscle in on things, and Jim McLaine's typical 1960's rock and roll odyssey. Essex and Faith are excellent (who says rockers can't act?) and it's a still relevent look at the "star maker machinery behind the popular songs". This picture is a sequel to That'll Be the Day, which is more about McLaine's coming of age in early 60's England, that is a great movie in it's own right, but the two can be watched independently of each other. Very highly recommended. Oh yes, the ending is as well directed, dramatic and atmospheric as the beginning. Great job Michael Apted!

"Stardust"...the continuing story of young Jim Maclaine (David Essex) from "That'll Be The Day" is an excellent 'must-see' sequel.

The story not only portrays the development of Maclaine's aspiring musical ambitions, but is a very insightful depiction of how the music business can be unpredictably cruel and coarse.

Ray Connolly is at the helm as writer once again along with David Puttnam and Sanford Lieberson producing. But, it is Michael Apted taking the reigns as Director in this second movie.

The nature of the story calls for another strong supporting cast and this is achieved with not only Essex maturing very well in the lead role, but with the addition of 60's pop idol, Adam Faith and future "Dallas" star, Larry Hagman. Faith's portrayal of Mike Menary, the manager of Maclaine's rock band, "The Stray Cats", cuts a brutally shrewd and dark figure. Hagman, in the role of Porterlee Austin, portrays a flamboyant personality as his character name suggests. Both of these characters eventually have one thing in common - money. But, it's Messrs. Faith and Hagman who virtually steal the whole film together because of their 'meaty' characterisations.

To add authenticity to the role of the rock band in the movie, Dave Edmunds is on hand in a supporting role along with writing and producing the band's songs. Keith Moon reprises his role from "That'll Be The Day" as the drummer and Paul Nicholas cuts a fine 'jealous' figure in the form of 'Knee-tremble Johnny'. And, Rosalind Ayres once again portrays Jim's wife, Jeanette.

The story takes up three years later where "That'll Be The Day" left off, and is a roller-coaster ride of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll sixties-style. The film covers a wide canvas between England, Spain and the USA and is beautifully filmed. It was made in 1974 and even then comes across as controversial for the time with some very memorable scenes. One of the scenes I particularly remember is when the band meet up in a Vegas showroom and during a heated discussion Jim Maclaine points to Stevie (Karl Howman) and matter of factly points out: "If it weren't for me you'd still be catching crabs in Oldham!". This certainly puts the place of my birth on the map. Finally, there is an equally enjoyable soundtrack that oozes the changing styles of Rock and Pop music from a distant time. Also, the ending is a killer...but won't really leave you in a state of shock.

"Stardust" is a wonderful piece of cinema that the British film industry should be very proud of.