Sugar Town (1999)

Unimpassioned look at the lives of struggling L.A. scene rock stars follows main character, Gwen, on her quest for the top. Working as an assistant to a film production designer, she tries ... See full summary »

Directors:

Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Writers:

Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Stars:

Jade Gordon, John Taylor, Michael Des Barres

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jade Gordon	...	Gwen
John Taylor	...	Clive
Michael Des Barres	...	Nick
Martin Kemp	...	Jonesy
Larry Klein	...	Burt
John Doe	...	Carl
Lucinda Jenney	...	Kate
Marion Moseley	...	In Utero Baby
Veronica Nommenson	...	Violet
Elena Nommenson	...	Rose
Amelia Nommenson	...	Daisy
Ally Sheedy	...	Liz
Nicholas Walker	...	Masseuse
Rosanna Arquette	...	Eva
Jeffrey McDonald	...	Kevin (as Jeff McDonald)

Storyline

Unimpassioned look at the lives of struggling L.A. scene rock stars follows main character, Gwen, on her quest for the top. Working as an assistant to a film production designer, she tries to steal her boy friend who is a music producer by offering sexual favors. The producer meanwhile is trying to orchestrate a comeback for a former glam band played by Michael Des Barres (of Power Station fame), John Taylor (from Duran Duran), and Martin Kemp (from Spandau Ballet). Rosanna Arquette plays the former movie star wife of the lead singer, who is fretting because she has just been offered the role as the mother of one of the new ingenious. Beverly D'Angelo also shows up as a millionairess who agrees to bankroll the group, but only if she gets a roll in the hay with the lead singer. All of the career problems, including drug proclivity, are represented in this film.

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | music producer | paternity | drug rehabilitation | adultery | 

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Taglines:

The place to be.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, some drug content and sexuality

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 2001 (France)

Also Known As:

Untitled Anders-Voss Project

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$42,668 (USA) (17 September 1999)

Gross:

$177,840 (USA) (12 November 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, October Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The groupies for John Taylor's character "Clive" were real John Taylor fans recruited by Allison Anders from John's website.

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Soundtracks

"Runnin' from No Place to Nowhere"
Written and Performed by Tiffany Anders
Copyright Charmed Music
Courtesy of Up Records

User Reviews

Loved it -- loads of fun and some deep moments, too

This movie was so much fun. It boasted an incredible cast -- Roseanna Arquette, Michael Des Barres, Beverly D'Angelo, John Doe, Lumi Cavazos, Ally Sheedy, John Taylor of Duran Duran, etc. It gave an inside peek into the lives of mostly has-been rock stars who are still struggling to create and, in some cases, survive. Various stories are interwoven throughout the film and the sweetest and most believable was that of John Doe's character and his family. I found the last scene between him and his wife incredibly touching. Michael Des Barres was scintillating and hilarious, as usual. His scenes with Bjou Philips and Beverly D'Angelo were priceless. Lumi Cavazos was sexy as hell and Richmond Arquette about broke my heart. Great film. Great sets, too -- I wondered if the homes actually belonged to the actors. Ally Sheedy's just looked so lived in and real. I did wonder why she would hire the gal Roseanna Arquette's character recommended -- but I'll say no more. See the movie and have fun!