Quadrophenia (ITV4, Thu 23 April: 10.30pm)
What’s It About? Fishtail parkas, shiny scooters and The Who, among other things. More specifically, it’s about the Mod movement of the late 1960s. Quadrophenia focuses on the experiences of Jimmy, played by the always-excellent Phil Daniels, as he prepares for a weekend jaunt to Brighton.
Love interest is provided by a very young Lesley Ash, and the climax comes in the shape of an almighty stand-off between Jimmy’s Mods and their arch-enemies the Rockers at the seaside resort.
Is It Any Good? Yes. Even after 36 years, this cult drama has lost a little of its edge, but these days, it’s not so much as showcase for The Who’s music as it is a Who’s Who of the British entertainment scene.
Watch out for an appearance by a fresh-faced Sting as main man Ace Face. Other surprise performances are provided by Mark Wingett of The Bill, Toyah Willcox, Phil Davis and Ray Winstone
Anything Else? John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten, was originally slated for the lead role, but the distributors refused to insure him, forcing him to be replaced.
Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Sting, Ray Winstone, Toyah Willcox, Michael Elphick | Star Rating: **** (1979)
• Article Source: Herts & Essex Observer.