It deals with the grand issues of commercialism, selling out, good and immorality in rock opera style featuring an endless array of the stars of the day including Aerosmith, Steve Martin, Alice Cooper and Earth Wind and Fire, among others. The story, told by the only speaking character, the mayor of Heartland, Mr. Kite (Burns) is about Sgt. Pepper's grandson, Billy Shears (Frampton) who re-forms his grandfathers band with the Henderson brothers (The Bee Gees). They get an instantaneous success and set off for fame and circumstances in La La land. Meanwhile, mean Mr. Mustard (Frankie Howerd) sets his sights on Heartland and the magical musical instruments left to it by Sgt. Pepper. Will the boys be able to withstand the bait of celebrity and fortune long enough to keep their town?
MoviePosterShop.comThis film signaled the origin of the end of theepicrock musical, with most of the subsequent examples of the kind appearing as animated films. If you can set aside its silliness, there are some flashes of fun to be had, including Steve Martin's rendition of Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Aerosmith's report of Come Togetherthe inspired cover of Got to Get You Into My Life by Earth Wind and Fireand the beautiful cinematography of Owen Roizman. Also appearing in the picture are Donald Pleasence and a panoply of stars singing the repeat of the title song at the end of the film, including Carol Channing, Peter Allen, Tina Turner, Connie Stevens and Dame Edna Everage.
You can see this take on DVD and it's available in total on YouTube. I suggest watching it in its best possible format, however, because one of its only redeeming qualities is it's physical beauty. Above is the preview for it, uploaded to YouTube by throthelens.
Obscurity factor: 3 (somewhat notorious, available on DVD & YouTube)
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