- Release year: 1975
- Director: Richard Loncraine.
- Producer: Gavrik Losey.
- Screenplay by: Andrew Birkin.
- Cinematography by: Peter Hannan.
- Music by: Noddy Holder and Jim Lea.
Synopsis: a group of musicians become famous overnight while dealing with issues with both their managers and their own identities.
Shotgun Commentary: I wish all musician biopics were like this.
Review
Slade in Flame is what one expects from a music documentary or biopic. You got all the drama and nitty-gritty of a band’s existence from the beginning to the very end, without unnecessary quotes or exaggerations.
Now, don’t be confused. This film is not a real story despite being based on real-life anecdotes, but that doesn’t keep it from being the best mock biopic out there. Surpassing tons of real biopics out there.
For anyone in the mood for a thrilling story with awesome soundtrack, BFI has released a Blu-ray/DVD (Dual Format Edition) for the lovers of physical copies, and it is now available on iTunes and Amazon for those of you who favour streaming. Full details after the review!
A different approach…?
The story follows a glam-rock group named Flame (and performed by real-life band Slade) during the 70s, from their small performances at sketchy bars all the way to the top and back to anonymity. Like most bands, this group of men come from nowhere with a dream. A dream that gets crushed over and over until they find the right manager that turns them into stars. Also like most bands, its members feel differently about fame, which leads to many arguments and their eventual breakup.
In that sense, the film doesn’t stray much from the norm. However, the form and details with which the narrative is presented does set it apart from all other films of a similar topic. On top of the obvious grime, sweat and drugs one expects from a glam-rock band, there is a crime subplot that offers just the right amount of thrills to keep you hooked throughout. The managerial activities around the band, which sound incredibly boring if you put them like that, spice up the whole piece. They present a whole gangster network in flow underneath the glitter and flames of the shows the band puts on.
The gravitas
This criminal enterprise, or rather, cutthroat business enterprise, is mostly led by Tom Conti in the role of Robert Seymour, the manager who actually gets the band Flame to the top. Conti plays one of the most grey characters of the film. A man willing to do anything to achieve success and profit, yet not enough of a psychopath to cross the line between life and death… or is he? It is never completely clear, but what we do know about Seymour is that he is way smarter than his rival, the ex-manager of the band Ron Harding (Johnny Shannon). Sadly, this doesn’t ensure his complete success, as Harding compensates what he lacks in smarts with brute force and ruthless tactics.
The clash between both sharks provides the most tension, a great feat considering the band’s amount of drama and near-death experiences, flaming microphone included. Speaking of over the top, the costumes in this film are a sight to behold, especially when the band embraces their “Flame persona” encouraged by Seymour. Still, nothing stands out like the soundtrack. A series of hits that serve as the final touches of a really great work.
All in all, Slade in Flame is a fun experience, especially for people in search of nice 70s rock, criminal schemes, and obscenely ugly outfits. The rise and fall of a band with zero nonsense but tons of shenanigans.
BFI’s release of Slade in Flame can be ordered now on their website. Details and links below!
Special features
- NEW RESTORATION by the BFI and presented in High Definition and Standard Definition
- Newly recorded audio commentary with director Richard Loncraine and film critic Mark Kermode
- Make Way For Noddy (2025, 9 mins): actor Tom Conti discusses the making of Slade in Flame
- Noddy Holder Interview (2002, 54 mins): Noddy speaks to broadcaster Gary Crowley in the uncut, full-length version of an interview that later featured in The Making of Slade in Flame
- The Making of Slade in Flame (2007, 58 mins): recorded for the film’s original DVD release and featuring interviews with all four members of Slade, director Richard Loncraine and actor Tom Conti, this documentary tells the story of Slade in Flame from its inception to its London premiere.
- This Week: Men’s Fashions (1973, 10 mins): meet Tommy Nutter, the rebel tailor of Savile Row, as flamboyant fashions get thoroughly road-tested in this glam 1970s fashion short
- Original theatrical trailer (1975)
- Trailer (2025)
- Slade in Frame – a collection of promotional images from the film’s original release
- First pressing only; Illustrated booklet with new writing on the film by Graham Rinaldi and other essays by Jay Rathbone, Barry Forshaw and Bob Stanley
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
Where to watch
Cinema screenings will be listed here: www.bfi.org.uk/releases
Pre-order Blu-ray/DVD from the BFI Shop.
Advice to take from this movie:
- If your livelihood depends on a contract, keep it hidden?
- ALWAYS read your contracts before signing them.
- Flame costumes are a lot sexier as a concept than they are as a reality.
What’s your take? Have you watched Slade in Flame? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀