Starring: Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Eric Clapton, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Paul Nicholas, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell, Pete Townshend, Tina Turner

Original Music: John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, Sonny Boy Williamson

Written by Pete Townshend and Ken Russell

Directed by Ken Russell

‘Tommy’ some say, wasn't the first rock opera. While there are many who deny this, this little over one hour film propelled The Who from performing in mid-sized theaters and auditoriums, to selling out arenas (and even prestigious opera houses) overnight. The satirical, fantasy – operetta drama was based upon The Who’s 1969 rock opera album ‘Tommy’. The film features a star studded ensemble cast including the band members – vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, drummer Keith Moon and guitarist Pete Townshend. (most notably, Roger Daltrey who plays the title role).

The commercial and critical success of ‘Tommy’ also significantly elevated Pete Townshend reputation as a songwriter, on the line of Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

As for the story line, we have Captain Walker (Robert Powell) who dies in aerial combat over Europe while his son Tommy (Barry Winch, then played by Roger Daltrey) is born. Tommy's mother, Nora Walker (Ann-Margret) takes up with a promoter by the name of Frank Hobbs (Oliver Reed), and when The Captain shows up scarred but alive, Frank murders him. Witnessing this, Tommy goes into a catatonic state. A senseless lost soul, he's loved by his parents but placed at the mercy of his dangerous cousin Kevin (Paul Nicholas) and his molesting Uncle Ernie (Keith Moon). Hoping to shock him out of his isolation, Frank takes him to the Acid Queen (Tina Turner), and she exposes him to mind-altering drugs. But at his father's fun fair, the deaf, dumb and blind Tommy becomes an amazing pinball player, besting the previous champion wizard (Elton John). A specialist (Jack Nicholson) seemingly cannot do anything for Tommy, but when Nora breaks the mirror into which he constantly stares, Tommy's psychic spell is broken. Emerging into the world of the living, he becomes a strange new messiah, prescribing sensory isolation as the path toward self-fulfillment.

Tommy" is a very unusual movie experience. There are many songs that that will stick with you moments after the credits roll. The standout songs would surely be Elton John’s Pinball Wizard and Tina Turner’s Acid Queen, not forgetting Bernie’s Holiday Camp, Christmas, Eyesight to the Blind (Eric Clapton), the short pieces in Do you think It’s Alright (parts 1, 2 and 3), Sparks.

The new songs are really great, while those with the guest stars rocked. There are songs that are also sung by Roger Daltrey that are really powerful. There are definitely some songs that are truly stronger than on the original landmark double album ‘Tommy’ released prior to the film in1969.

The film won a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture –Musical or Comedy for Ann – Margret.

Date of Release: 1975

Duration: 111 minutes

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira