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Rock Opera Double Feature!

Tommy (1975);
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) @ Million Dollar Theater

Tommy (1975)
December 21, 2011 - 7:30 pm

Tommy (1975)

Directed by Ken Russell

Young Tommy, traumatized by witnessing his stepfather’s murder of his father, is struck deaf, dumb, and blind, becomes a pinball champion, miraculously recovers his senses, and is followed as a messiah by the masses.  The film adaptation of The Who’s 1969 rock opera album stars Roger Daltrey in the title role, with Ann-Margret, Elton John, Tina Turner, and Eric Clapton.

Columbia Pictures. Producer: Robert Stigwood, Ken Russell. Screenwriter: Ken Russell. Cinematographer: Dick Bush, Ronnie Taylor. Editor: Stuart Baird. Cast: Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Tina Turner.

35mm, color, 111min.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by Norman Jewison

Past and present mingle in this adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock opera, still the gold standard. Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson square off in the Israeli desert as Jesus and Judas, singing their way to the inexorable end with all the characters you might expect. The story may be ubiquitous, but it's never been seen like this before.  

Universal Pictures. Producer: Norman Jewison, Robert Stigwood. Screenwriter: Melvyn Bragg, Norman Jewison. Cinematographer: Douglas Slocombe. Editor: Antony Gibbs. Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen, Bob Bingham.

35mm, color, 108 min.