The Who

[BoyScoutKevin]

If I remember correctly, one change between the album and the film, and a change for which I approve, as it made for a more drama, in the film, it is the stepfather who kills the father, but . . .?! in the album it is the father who kills the stepfather.

[Iain Fisher]

I'd agree that Ken's film added so much.  It tidied up the story, and the performances were vivid and exciting.  Elton and Tina in particular.

Compare with The Who's next album, Quadrophenia, where the album is so good but personally I find the film drags and the music seems to disappear.  Interesting to see how Ken would have done it.

[BoyScoutKevin]

I'd add to my previous post, that while I have never seen any stage version of The Who's "Tommy," I have heard the album, and I have seen Ken's film version, and (IMHO) the songs, especially "Pinball Wizard," work much better in the film than in the album.

[BoyScoutKevin]

And to celebrate 40 years of Ken's film there is a stage production of Tommy (though not with The Who or Elton or Tina) in London.

http://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1718:tommy&catid=7:playingnow&Itemid=1

I see that the ad says that this production is based on the album. It does not say that it is based on the film. It is only in the 3rd paragraph, that we get any mention of the film.

[Iain Fisher]

And to celebrate 40 years of Ken's film there is a stage production of Tommy (though not with The Who or Elton or Tina) in London.

http://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1718:tommy&catid=7:playingnow&Itemid=1

[Iain Fisher]

I saw The Who on Friday, so on Ken's birthday today I will watch Tommy again.