Far more famous in its day for the omnipresent double soundtrack LP than as an actual film, this engaging story of friendship (and implied romance) between two teenaged girls and bandmates preceded the more famous Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1980) by two years in the all-girl punk cinematic sweepstakes. Trini Alvarado and Robin Johnson star as two young New Yorkers under observation for mental conditions who escape to the world of Times Square with the backdrop of punk band that plays a pivotal role in their lives. Top-billed Tim Curry (who shot his role in two days) appears as a DJ, but the film belongs to its young stars who engaged in a more obvious love story in director/co-writer Allan Moyle’s original cut. The priceless footage of Times Square in its seedy prime and the barrage of classic songs by the likes of Suzi Quatro, The Cure, Patti Smith and The Ramones are highlights of the production, which was intended as another youth-oriented hit for producer, music manager and stage musical titan Robert Stigwood, who had produced hits with his recent Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978) for his company RSO. Though not a hit for RSO (which suffered several setbacks afterwards as well), the film became a staple on home video and TV enough to ensure a small but dedicated cult following.
by Nathaniel Thompson
