Fiery and insolent rebellious teenager Corinne "Third Degree" Burns (a wonderfully raw and dynamic portrayal by Diane Lane) is angry about the untimely death of her mother. So she convinces her reluctant sister Tracy (the cute Marin Kanter) and her equally surly cousin Jessica (Laura Dern at her most adorable) to form a rowdy all-female punk group called the Stains (who look and sound like an unholy cross between the Shaggs and the Runaways). Despite having no real musical talent, the Stains still manage to get a gig as part of a tour along with the past their prime metal band the Metal Corpses (they stink) and the snarly punk outfit the Looters (who seriously smoke!). The Stains become huge stars because of their skimpy stage outfits, outrageous two-tone skunk hairstyles, defiant attitude (their motto is "We don't put out"), and, most of all, extensive media coverage by opportunistic TV news anchorwoman Alicia Meeker (delightfully played with lip-smacking relish by Cynthia Sikes). However, their moment in the spotlight proves to be fleeting when their loyal audience of adolescent girl admirers known as Skunks realize they've been had and turn on the band at a disastrous concert.
Director and noted music producer Lou Adler, working from a sharp and abrasive script by Nancy Dowd (who also wrote "Slap Shot"), offers a fiercely cynical and illuminating depiction of the more sordid aspects of the rock music business which include drug use (one member of the Metal Corpses dies of an overdose), performing in seedy dives, mindless consumerism, and especially how the media can either make or break a band. This film further benefits from excellent acting from a fine cast. Lane delivers a positively electrifying performance full of rage and passion that holds the whole picture together. Ray Winstone likewise shines as bitter and cranky, yet wise and knowing punk singer Billy, who tries to be a mentor for Corinne without much success. Christine Lahti only pops up in two scenes as Corinne's neurotic and regretful Aunt Linda, but makes a strong and lasting impression just the same. Special kudos are also in order for Barry Ford, who gives a marvelously engaging turn as laid-back and philosophical Jamaican bus driver Lawnboy. Plus there's nice support from David Clennon as sleazy agent Dave Robell, Fee Waybill as washed-up rocker Lou Corpse, John Lehne as smarmy newscaster Stu McGrath, and E.G. Daily as a perky hotel maid. Appearing as members of the Looters are erstwhile Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Steve Jones and Paul Simonon of the Clash. Horror scream queen Debbie Rochon makes her feature film debut an uncredited bit part as a Skunk. The gritty, yet polished cinematography by Bruce Surtees comes through with plenty of striking visuals and spot-on evocative shots of often dreary and grungy locations. A tad rough around the edges, but overall a really fun and rollicking blast of a movie.
Director and noted music producer Lou Adler, working from a sharp and abrasive script by Nancy Dowd (who also wrote "Slap Shot"), offers a fiercely cynical and illuminating depiction of the more sordid aspects of the rock music business which include drug use (one member of the Metal Corpses dies of an overdose), performing in seedy dives, mindless consumerism, and especially how the media can either make or break a band. This film further benefits from excellent acting from a fine cast. Lane delivers a positively electrifying performance full of rage and passion that holds the whole picture together. Ray Winstone likewise shines as bitter and cranky, yet wise and knowing punk singer Billy, who tries to be a mentor for Corinne without much success. Christine Lahti only pops up in two scenes as Corinne's neurotic and regretful Aunt Linda, but makes a strong and lasting impression just the same. Special kudos are also in order for Barry Ford, who gives a marvelously engaging turn as laid-back and philosophical Jamaican bus driver Lawnboy. Plus there's nice support from David Clennon as sleazy agent Dave Robell, Fee Waybill as washed-up rocker Lou Corpse, John Lehne as smarmy newscaster Stu McGrath, and E.G. Daily as a perky hotel maid. Appearing as members of the Looters are erstwhile Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Steve Jones and Paul Simonon of the Clash. Horror scream queen Debbie Rochon makes her feature film debut an uncredited bit part as a Skunk. The gritty, yet polished cinematography by Bruce Surtees comes through with plenty of striking visuals and spot-on evocative shots of often dreary and grungy locations. A tad rough around the edges, but overall a really fun and rollicking blast of a movie.