Influential Cult Classic LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS Makes Long-Awaited DVD Debut
The 1981 Film Stars Diane Lane and Laura Dern Alongside Punk Rockers Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols & Paul Simonon of the Clash.
First Title from Rhino's Rock 'N' Roll Cinema Series Due September 16
LOS ANGELES -- LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS received a limited initial theatrical release and has been seen only on television and occasionally at film festivals. The movie has never been released on home video or DVD. Yet this 1981 film about a trio of misfit teenage girls who start a punk band went on to inspire a generation of female rockers like Bikini Kill, L7 and Courtney Love. On September 16, Rhino will revive this lost classic with the DVD release of LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS. The DVD will be available through Ryko Distribution. The pre-order date is September 5.
Directed by Lou Adler (Up In Smoke) and produced by Joe Roth, the film stars Diane Lane and Laura Dern as members of The Stains, along with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols, Clash bassist Paul Simonon, Fee Waybill of the Tubes, Black Randy from Black Randy and The Metrosquad, plus Ray Winstone and Christine Lahti.
Surly and sexy in one of her earliest starring roles, Lane is the archetype riot grrl. Sporting a memorable skunk hairdo, she sings songs like "I'm A Waste Of Time," verbally assaults the audience and leads her legion of adoring female fans in the chant, "We don't put out!"
Filled with great rock and roll, it's no surprise that much of the film's underground following consists of musicians. Bikini Kill drummer Tobi Vail has said: "It is the most realistic and profound film I have ever seen."
The DVD will feature the film restored from original vault elements as well as special new audio commentaries from Diane Lane, Laura Dern and Lou Adler.
Rock 'n' roll movies have existed for almost as long as rock 'n' roll music. When they perfectly capture the mood of the moment -- or a star-making performance -- these films take on a life of their own. Rhino's new Rock 'N' Roll Cinema line spotlights the best of these features, and THE FABULOUS STAINS is the perfect film to kick-start the series.
The cast of this indie gem is what first sticks out: Diane Lane as leader of the all-female Stains; bandmate Laura Dern; a punk band featuring Paul Simonon, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook; Fee Waybill fronting a dreadful Kiss knock-off; and Christine Lahti as the alcoholic aunt who has an unexpected moment of Learning And Growing.
Fabulous Stains is the kind of rock n’ roll satire that ranks up there with The Girl Can’t Help It. The Stains set out from their dreary industrial town seeking fame and, as can only happen in the movies, find it virtually overnight; their new fashion look, a song pinched from a rival, and a dose of well-timed TV exposure provide the basis for a bona fide movement. Ah, but at what cost? Predictably, it’s the backstabbing, rip-offs and fickle fans (but, oddly, no substance abuse). Yet smartly updated for the post-punk/new wave era with an additional obstacle of sexism. And there’s another scene you’d never see in these PC times: a pregnant teen knocking back a shot of liquor. Classic in every sense.
I LOVE L&G, The Fabulous Stains! Any word on the Soundtrack being available? I've about given up, and after 28 years! It was advertised as "now available" in the new dvd release trailer.. and apparently it was down-loadable for like 2 days before Paramount(?) pulled it. Someone in this world MUST have downloaded it during those 2 days, and are now sitting on solid gold. I don't put out, but would pay for anyone out there who has it to be a professional & make me a copy!! Please help this Stains fan out.. get in touch, with news, or the real McCoy. I wouldn't call it a waste of time. Thanks!
Thanks for adding as a friend. I would like to see a Fabulous Stains / Looters reunion tour (although I'm sure there would be some arguement as to who would play first). I would also like to see Diane Lane in her sexy skunk outfit saying "I love you Stu Dicious!"
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW @ UNLV!!! Vegas baby... Hosted By: Frankie’s Favorite Obsession When: Thursday Oct 30, 2008 at 8:00 PM Where UNLV Student Union Courtyard 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89154 United States Description: Frankie’s Favorite Obsession
An amazing film. I had the great opportunity to have been shown this film by great Allison Anders in my favorite UCSB film class: Rock Movies. And it was a pleasure to see she has written a piece in the booklet. :-D
Really looking forward to the Movie release tomorrow , been a huge fan of the film since 1st seeing it on tv in the 80's ..... thanks for adding me ! David K~
