Died On This Date (November 27, 2011) Ken Russell / Directed The Who’s “Tommy”

themusicsover November 27, 2011 0 Comments

Ken Russell
July 3, 1927 – November 27, 2011

Ken Russell was a celebrated British director who courted controversy in both film and television for his use of sexuality and the church within his themes and imagery.  Russell made a huge mark on popular music as well with his 1975 rock film Tommy, based on the Who’s album of the same name.  The landmark movie starred the band’s Roger Daltrey as Tommy, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle, along with Ann-Margret, Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and Elton John.  The film earned Margaret a Golden Globe as well as an Academy Award nomination, and Townshend an Academy Award nomination for the film’s score and adaptation.  It’s most memorable scenes include Turner as the Acid Queen, John as the Pinball Wizard, and of course, Margaret writhing erotically in a pool of baked beans.  The movie spent a record 14 weeks at number one and continued to be a box office draw for well over a year.  Following Tommy, Russell again directed Daltrey in Lisztomania, which portrayed 19th century composer, Franz Liszt as the first classical pop star.  The film also features Ringo Starr and Rick Wakeman who composed the score.  Other notable films by Russell include Altered States, The Devils, and Women In Love for which he won an Oscar.  Ken Russell passed away on November 27, 2011.  He was 84.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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