Watch Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains is a 1982 film starring Peter Donat, Diane Lane, and Marin Kanter. The movie follows a teenage band called The Stains, who rise to fame after a local news report on their punk rock concert goes viral. Their fast-paced success attracts the attention of a big-time record executive, played by Donat, who recruits them for a national tour.

The film is a gritty portrayal of the punk rock subculture of the 1980s. The characters, including Lane's lead singer, are disillusioned with society and are rebelling against the traditional values of their parents' generation. Their music is raw, aggressive, and full of attitude, much like their attitude towards the world around them. The film delves into issues of sexism, economic exploitation, and the commercialization of music, while also exploring the complex relationships between the members of the band.

Diane Lane steals the show as the Stains' frontwoman, Corinne Burns. She embodies the rebellious spirit of the punk rock movement and delivers a raw and powerful performance. As a teenager struggling to find her place in the world, Corinne's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. Her relationships with the other members of the band, including her sister Tracy (played by Kanter) and the charismatic Billy (played by Ray Winstone), are central to the film's storyline.

Marin Kanter also delivers a standout performance as Tracy Burns. While Corinne revels in the attention and fame their band is receiving, Tracy is more introspective and struggles to find her own identity. As the band's bassist, she is skilled and talented, but often overlooked in the shadow of her sister's star power. The sibling rivalry between the two sisters is one of the film's most compelling subplots.

Peter Donat's character, Lou Corporal, represents the forces of commercialization and greed that threaten to corrupt the Stains' punk rock ethos. His record label, which signs the band for a national tour, forces them to alter their image and sound in order to appeal to a wider audience. The band members soon find themselves disillusioned by the phony and shallow world of the music industry.

The film is directed by Lou Adler, who also produced the hit comedy, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His eye for capturing the rebellious spirit of the punk rock movement is evident in the film's visceral and kinetic style. The concert scenes are particularly impressive, featuring frenzied mosh pits, stage diving, and punk rock anthems that capture the raw energy of the music.

Despite its cult following, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains was not a commercial success upon its initial release in 1982. The film's dark and cynical tone may have been too much for audiences at the time, who were more accustomed to the saccharine pop music and feel-good movies of the day. However, the film has since been recognized for its prescient critiques of the music industry and its representation of the punk rock movement.

Overall, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains is a gritty and empowering film that captures the spirit of rebellion and self-discovery of the punk rock movement. Diane Lane's fearless performance as Corinne Burns is a highlight of the film, and the themes and issues the movie addresses are just as relevant today as they were in the 1980s.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.