Stardust (1974 film)

Plot

Following on from the events in the late 1950s/early 1960s of That'll Be the Day, the characters Jim Maclaine, Jeanette and J.D. have moved into the mid 1960s/early 1970s and the growing career of aspiring rock star MacLaine. MacLaine has assembled a group of musicians and formed the band the Stray Cats, he seeks out his old friend Mike to become the band’s road manager. Mike acquires a new van, accommodation and a recording session for the group. MacLaine soon becomes a massive star and is plunged into the centre of media attention. He indulges in casual sex and heavy drug use and the film documents the detrimental effects of this success on MacLaine and his relationship with his friends and colleagues. In particular, MacLaine’s long-standing friendship with manager Mike is now soured by money and success.

Characters

By the end of the Stardust, the timeline has roughly caught up to the 1974 release of the film. Many of the characters were played by British musicians who had lived/were living through the era portrayed in the film including Essex, Faith, Marty Wilde, Keith Moon, Dave Edmunds and Paul Nicholas.

Reception

The film was a hit at the box office and by 1985 had earned an estimated £525,000 in profit.

Awards and nominations

BAFTA Writers' Guild of Great Britain for Best Original British Screenplay WINNER: Ray Connolly.

BAFTA Best Supporting Actor NOMINATED: Adam Faith.

Soundtrack

The Stardust (soundtrack) was released in October on Ronco Records to coincide with the opening.