This months classic cinema screening is the wonderful Quadrophenia (1979). It is an all time classic and remains one of the most iconic British films of its era, a raw and exhilarating coming-of-age story drawn from The Who’s landmark rock opera. Set in 1964, it follows working-class teenager Jimmy (Phil Daniels), a restless young Mod caught between his mundane job, family tensions, and his desperate search for identity through sharp suits, scooters, and weekend chaos in Brighton. His rebellion culminates in the famous Mod-versus-Rocker riots, shot with a gritty realism that still pulses with energy today.
The film blends kitchen-sink realism with kinetic stylistics: frenetic camerawork, pulsating editing, and, of course, The Who’s thunderous soundtrack, which elevates every emotional beat. Themes of alienation, youth culture, and the yearning for belonging give the film a timeless relevance.
Performances are electric, Phil Daniels (later known for EastEnders and voicing Blur’s hit “Parklife”) brings raw authenticity to Jimmy, while Sting, in an early breakout role before global superstardom, exudes icy charisma as the enigmatic Ace Face. The national treasure that is Ray Winstone, also makes an early, memorable appearance as does Lesley Ash. Acclaimed upon release, Quadrophenia has since become a British classic, praised for capturing the voice of disaffected youth with unflinching honesty.
The film will be preceded by a short introduction by a member of the Halstead Empire team on why the film is regarded as a classic and key things to look out for during the screening. For those involved in the Mod scene at the time or those still in love with it, Who fans, or if you just love great cinema join us in this special one off event bringing Quadrophenia back to the big screen, where it belongs.
