Cross-Pollination: Movies ∩ Music: Movies Based on Songs
Submitted by dgeiser13 on Wed, 08/21/2002 - 07:33
Tags:
- Alice's Restaurant (1969)
- Convoy (1978)
- Copacabana (1985)
- Harper Valley P.T.A. (1978)
- Ode to Billy Joe (1976)
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)
Author Comments:
Which came first? The movie or the song? Well, in the case of these movies they were created because of the popularity of the title song. These seem to be few and far between (Thank, God!) but please let me know if you can think of any.
I recall seeing a film version of "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia", starring Kristy McNichol (whatever happened to her?)...needless to say, it was absolutely terrible.
Also, wasn't there a TV movie or show based on that all-time hardcore headbanging classic "You Light Up My Life?"
After doing some research...
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (the movie) just seems to have been named after the song. The movie doesn't recount the events that happened in the song as does Convoy and Copacabana. If you have evidence to the contrary, i.e. a web page, I'd be glad to take a look at it.
In the case of You Light Up My Life (the movie), Joe Brooks created a movie about a musician and You Light Up My Life was one of the songs written for the movie. They decided to name the movie after the title of the song but again the events of the movie don't recount the events of the song as in the case of Convoy and Copacabana. Didi Conn (Grease) played the lead role in the film and Debby Boone did a version of the song which later was a number one hit.
Both of these suggestions might work better on my other Song -> Movie list, Movies Named After Songs, especially The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia.
I think that Alice's Restaurant (1969) might qualify.
Thanks, Professor. That's a good one. :-)
How about "Love Potion #9"?
Also, your "Sgt. Pepper's" entry reminds me - the animated "Yellow Submarine" might qualify, though the plot in that film might be too different from the song for you.
This might be somewhat of a stretch, but Hank Williams bio with George Hamilton, "Your Cheatin' Heart" ('65) might fit your criteria. While the film encompasses his entire life it does seem to focus more on the later stages of his career after marriage, which I've read was the inspiration for the song. Your call.
How about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?
To bad it's not dances too, it would give me a reason to type Breakin 2 - Electric Boogaloo.
What about Purple Rain? Not sure if it came first or was written for the movie.
How about Kenny Rogers The Gambler?