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      That'll Be the Day

      PG Released Oct 29, 1973 1h 30m Musical Drama List
      Reviews 56% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score Raised by his single mother after the abrupt departure of his father, Jim MacLaine (David Essex) is a restless British youth. Leaving home to find his place in the world, Jim eventually meets kindred spirit Mike (Ringo Starr). The two lads get into plenty of trouble as they shirk responsibility and chase women, but ultimately Jim has to decide on a career, and dreams of becoming a rock 'n' roll star. Can Jim make it as musician, or will he remain stuck in a mundane rut? Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member I saw this when it first cam eout in the 70's, then saw it again recently. I was really taken aback by how great a film it is. It perfectly captures the squalor of life in working class Britian in the 60's, and of the no hope feeling that was instilled into people. The scene where Jim MacLaine (the protagonist) rapes a teenager and she simply says "You won't tell" afterwards is really shocking by today's standards. It makes the film seem really edgy. Apparently at the time of filming the attitude was that David Essex was so good looking that audience would let him get away with it!! This is why this film is remarkable becuase it dared to show real uncensored behaviours. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Just some old stinky trash. Ringo Starr has a bit role. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member I like this film. 3 stars. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member The thing that strikes me about this movie, and to a lesser extent than its sequel, is that it seems to be built on the premise that a man's life is dramatic enough to warrant the plot's entire focus and dedication. The rise in action ebbs and flows, but never crashes in. For me at least, there is a feeling of authenticity and peacefulness in this structure. Essex plays a man interesting enough to warrant the autobiographical feel of the film. While not for everyone, this film is thoroughly enjoyable. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Even as a biography of a real pop star, TBTD would be little more than a plod through various Sunday tabloid tropes but as a movie in its own right, it just doesn't work. Teaming real life singer Essex with the lamentably un-cinematic Starr should have set bells ringing from Day One of the shooting schedule and its only the presence of veterans such as Rosemary Leach that keep its head above water. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be. Tepid. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting film, but also unsatisfactory. Yes, the film gets across the dreariness of Jimmy's life, but is not really credible. His father abandoned him and his mother when he was a small kid, apparently because he couldn't settle back into civilian life after the war. It is possible to understand that, if not condone it. Jimmy, on the other hand, does the same (inevitably) to his wife and kid at the end of the movie for purely selfish reasons. His character has no redeeming features. Despite being academically bright, he decides to chuck it all in for no clear reason. He then treats women as disposable bonkees, and deliberately avoids helping his friend (Ringo Starr) when he's being beaten up. He also sleeps with his wife's best friend the night before the wedding. At the end, we really don't care what happens to this selfish prick! The music, on the other hand, is great! One star is for the soundtrack, which is no longer available, unfortunately. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      That'll Be the Day

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      Critics Reviews

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      Jacoba Atlas Los Angeles Free Press That'll Be the Day perfectly captures the England that gave rise to the Stones (and Turner in Performance), the Beatles, Eric Clapton, The Who and the entire British (i.e., World) upheaval of the sixties. Dec 9, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Aug 16, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Raised by his single mother after the abrupt departure of his father, Jim MacLaine (David Essex) is a restless British youth. Leaving home to find his place in the world, Jim eventually meets kindred spirit Mike (Ringo Starr). The two lads get into plenty of trouble as they shirk responsibility and chase women, but ultimately Jim has to decide on a career, and dreams of becoming a rock 'n' roll star. Can Jim make it as musician, or will he remain stuck in a mundane rut?
      Director
      Claude Whatham
      Screenwriter
      Ray Connolly
      Distributor
      Anchor Bay Entertainment
      Production Co
      Goodtimes Enterprises, EMI Films Ltd.
      Rating
      PG
      Genre
      Musical, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 29, 1973, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jul 18, 2019
      Runtime
      1h 30m