Lambert & Stamp (2014) User Reviews

Who are you/they?

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 6 May 2015]

Greetings again from the darkness. Considering myself a big and long-time fan of the rock band The Who, this documentary from first time filmmaker James D Cooper caught me off-guard with the surprising amount of detail and behind-the-scenes insight into how the band broke out from the dingy club circuit to a world of gold records, massive arena shows, mansions, and international acclaim. The answer is in the title: Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp.

Unless you are a Rock Music historian, these names are probably new to you. Lambert was the son of renowned British composer Constant Lambert and had a "proper" private school upbringing, including an Oxford education. Stamp, the brother of actor Terrence Stamp and son of a tugboat captain, was the polar opposite – blue collar family with a street-wise education. This odd couple bonded over their love of French New Wave films, and decided to create their own film project to capture the restlessness and rebellion of British teenagers in the early 1960's. Their idea was to film a band that captured the essence of the times, and this led them to put off the film project, and instead manage and mentor a group of "unattractive" mods known as The High Numbers … soon to the The Who.

Much of the film is dedicated to interviews of the survivors. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey from The Who, seem quite complimentary in their recollection of the influence of Lambert and Stamp, as well as the band's late members Keith Moon and John Entwistle. Since Kit passed away in 1981, the bulk of the interview time goes to Chris Stamp, who is unabashed in his respect for Lambert and how their differing styles but single vision helped drive the band's development through some pretty lean early years. Stamp passed away in 2012, so his interviews and recollections helped capture a time that would otherwise be little more than newsclips and home movies. His memories are a treasure trove for an era.

The film opens with a perfectly placed 8th century quote from Hesiod. This band of misfits and outsiders was being managed by two fellows who were equally misfit – the result being musical genius and never before seen stage theatrics. There is a segment with Townshend and Daltrey conversing about drummer Keith Moon that drives home the frustration and sadness that these two felt towards their bandmate, who was an exceedingly troubled man (Moon died in 1978 at age 32). When Townsend says "Keith Moon wasn't a drummer … He was something else". We know exactly what he means.

Director Cooper does a really nice job of keeping the focus on the two men behind the band, rather than the four lads on stage. We all know the music. We all know the tragedies. What we weren't aware of is how Lambert and Stamp managed this band to reach the huge heights of success … and this theme is never lost. One of the most fascinating clips has Townshend playing an early and very rough cut of a song that he is working on for the two managers. He is begging for their input and suggestions – a level of openness we rarely glimpse from artists, and one that clarifies just how much impact the titular characters had on the band … right down to the songs and the stage act.

The film is a bit tough to watch at times what with all the quick cuts of photographs and clips … kind of dizzying and distracting. That reaction is probably a result of this being such a non-traditional … actually quite unconventional documentary. It is by no means a retrospective or tribute to The Who. Instead, and much more impressively, it's a rare look at the fearless approach of two British gents who set out to make a statement on the times, and instead helped create something timeless.

"Lambert & Stamp" suffers from flaws in its construction but remains an interesting story from the rock and roll archives.

[CleveMan66 · 6/10 · 13 June 2015]

Let's play a little name association game, shall we? I'll write a name and you say out loud the first thing that comes into your mind. Okay? Okay. Here we go. Kit Lambert. Nothing? Okay. Christopher Stamp. Still nothing. How about Terence Stamp? Maybe a little flash of something? Maybe? Let's try… Roger Daltry. Pete Townshend. Keith Moon. John Entwistle. We probably got something from some or all of those names, but just in case we didn't, here's one more: The Who. Most people, even those who weren't born when their music was the most popular, are at least aware of the British rock band The Who, one of the most influential of the 20th century. All the names in this paragraph are a part of the story of The Who and the documentary "Lambert & Stamp" (R, 1:57) puts them all together.

Kit Lambert and Christopher Stamp were very different young men when they started talking one day in a London pub in the early 1960s – and had no intentions of pursuing the careers which would end up linking their names together forever. Lambert was a rich kid with an Oxford education and a famous father (a composer and conductor of classical music). Stamp was a working class kid whose father was a tug boat captain who worked on London's Thames River. But these two young men shared a passion – for film. They both wanted to be directors, but they were both working as assistant directors and saw no realistic chance to move up the ladder in the film industry. After spending a day together, they hatched a rather audacious plan which would change their lives, and the lives of many other people as well.

Both Lambert and Stamp were interested in the burgeoning youth mod culture. Their idea was to find a rock band that appealed to that particular segment of society, make that band famous and then make a movie about that band. After months of London nightlife, they finally found the band that they felt was perfect for their project. That band was called "The High Numbers". It would soon be renamed "The Who". Lambert and Stamp became the band's co-managers, with no experience whatsoever. These guys knew nothing about rock music, but they had big ideas, lots of confidence and it soon became clear that they had great instincts. They put The Who on the map and the rest is rock and roll history… and would qualify as a series of spoilers if I told you the rest of the story here.

The documentary about Lambert and Stamp's lives and their personal and professional relationship is inextricably linked to the story of The Who, but the movie's focus remains on the two men who worked tirelessly to make the group famous. The film is driven mainly by interviews and illustrated by a large amount of historic photographs and archival footage. Interviewees include Christopher Stamp (but not Kit Lambert, who died in 1981), Chris' older brother, actor Terence Stamp (who, obviously, was around for much of this story and even helped finance his younger brother's ventures at some point), and, of course, the two surviving members of the original band The Who, Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend. But this documentary is a lot more than a series of talking heads. Since Lambert and Stamp were originally out to make a movie about The Who, they were doing a lot of filming, which provides this documentary's director, James D. Cooper, with an abundance of background footage which he uses quite well.

The appeal of "Lambert & Stamp" has much to do with the enduring popularity of The Who's music, but it goes well beyond that. This documentary is a fascinating look behind the scenes at the music industry, at least in one particular time and place, and an unlikely story of two men from very different backgrounds coming up with an idea that was both clever and ambitious, but then succeeding beyond their wildest dreams – in a very different direction. On the level of a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction human drama and a kind of Behind the Behind the Music story, the film works well. Unfortunately, it could have worked even better – and should have – with just a few improvements. The interviews are not really interviews in that those clips mainly just show the subjects talking and when we do hear a question asked, it's not well-stated or well-mic'ed. The film also should have provided some more background – especially at the beginning. It was a little disorienting and frustrating to have no context to get into the story. The film's opening minutes even felt a bit disorganized. Still, this is an interesting and entertaining film that's likely to please music fans and anyone who just enjoys a good story. "B"

Can't Explain

[clarkj-565-161336 · 7/10 · 16 May 2015]

The British Navy ruled the waves for hundreds of years. The British also ruled the waves in the 60s, the airwaves. This doc gives you insight into the incredible management team of Kit Lambert and Christopher Stamp. I think any one studying management or leadership would benefit from all the insights presented in the film.

Kit Lambert came from an aristocratic background; private schools, Oxford, British Army and adventure trek up the Amazon (this could be a movie all by itself). Christopher Stamp from a rough working background, his dad was a tugboat captain. The family survived the Blitz and his brother Terence began a film career in 1962, so the future looked promising. He met Kit at the Shepperton Film Studios, where they were both working on film projects. You can almost feel how the pair worked from various clips in the film. Chris was the charismatic charmer and Kit won the trust of the artists and helped shape a vision. They planned their project with the Who with a multimedia approach, years ahead of their time.

I think the two most revealing moments in the doc were the two interviews with the German and French crews. Kit described his total philosophy in impeccable German and French, no mean feat in itself. Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry also give invaluable insight into the formation and development of the WHO. I remember seeing the WHO in Montreal around 1967 at the Forum. It was a sensational show, and yes Pete put his guitar through the amp! Cool!

Cool doc: Managers who knew nothing about music but a heck of a lot about marketing.

[JohnDeSando · 29 May 2015]

Who are The Who? They're Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp. Of course, you first come up with the names Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey because they actually play that wickedly-good rock. However the first two names in this essay are the founders of The Who, filmmakers with a dream to make a rock documentary but sidetracked into managing one of the best rock bands ever.

Director James D. Cooper hits the right notes: plenty of talking head from handsome, articulate Chris Stamp (brother of famous Terence, who appears with commentary), entertaining clips from the band's early years, and a thriller of a break up story (almost required of all rock band stories, fact or fiction). Never could anyone be bored with such a complex, fascinating rags-to-riches tale.

Pete Townshend, not much to look at as a young man but distinguished now with a naughty glint, gives as much as Stamp, especially when we try to understand the dynamic that led to the breakup. Although the posh Kit Lambert, whose dad was Constant Lambert the maestro, was an intrepid entrepreneur, he pushed himself to early death with cigs and drugs. During the growth times, however, he pushed the band into unknown territory. As did the better thinker, Stamp.

Although Kit Lambert died before the making of this doc, he is so carefully edited in as to make it seem he was here all the time. Stamp is especially effective as we are taken through the creation of the mega-hit rock musical Tommy and the release of Lambert & Stamp from the organization. The Who buying Shepperton Studios, where the founders met, is a nice piece of irony. Lambert's brainy discussion of class and youth with its manifestation in the "mod" era directed by the youth of London elevates the documentary from curiosity to demanding to be heard to understanding the wild youth of London.

Decent...even if you aren't a Who fan.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 11 September 2015]

The fact that my wife sat with me and watched this documentary is a bit of a shock. After all, she hates music like the stuff sung by The Who and couldn't relate to "Lambert & Stamp" in any discernible way. Yet, it did pique her interest and it's a film that may appeal to you...be you a Who fan or not.

The film is about two men who helped to create The Who, created their personas and fostered Pete Townsend's songwriting abilities. They managed the band for about a decade--from total obscurity to superstardom. It also is about the group's falling out and eventually firing these men they loved and once respected. See the film and see why.

Unfortunately, while the film is quite good, many of the particulars involved are dead...several through drug abuse. Fortunately, they did have some footage of Stamp before his recent death as well as the participation of Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend and a few others. All in all, it makes for an interesting and diverting film.

Not my fav musical doc on a rock band

[subxerogravity · 6/10 · 4 April 2015]

In comparisons to such documentaries about musical artist like Nas, Time is illmatic and I Can't stand loosing you, which is about the Police, I found this movie uninspiring. The inspiring ones usually make me what to listen to their music all day long, and I have the Who's records on my iPhone, so I was ready. This doc did not do this for me.

In all fairness, the film was more about Two filmmakers names Kit Lambert and Chris Tramp who began managing the Who as a way to make a documentary of the band. Yet, I'm still left with the same unspring feeling as I'm a huge fan of films and the idea that the Who was practically created as a film project seem right up my alley.

The documentary is too self-serving. I know that seems a little Ironic to say, but I've seen docs that praise Keith Moon as a legendary Drummer and barely mentions John Entwistle (how unfortunate to be a great musician who got to live to old age). Pete Townsend attempted to tell us how awesome John was to the band, but it wasn't enough, and this goes for anyone vital to the band (like Keith) who is not alive to tell their own story (In defense the people getting interviewed seem unapologetic about their own self- worth). It's a little uneven.

So while well crafted, Lambert and Stamp seems to show me that one of the most interesting bands in the world has a very uninteresting origin story. I just prefer to listen to the music.

A can't-miss for fans of the Who and of rock music history

[paul-allaer · 8/10 · 21 May 2015]

"Lambert & Stamp" (2014 release; 117 min.) is a documentary about Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, 2 Brits best known for managing the Who for about a decade (mid-60s to mid-70s). As the documentary opens and after a few words from Pete Townsend, we are introduced to Chris Stamp, who starts telling stories of how t all began, him and Lambert in the early 60s trying to make the jump from assistant director to director. One day, they decide to shoot a movie, cinema verite-style, about an unknown band that they would manage. After looking for months for the right band, Lambert comes across a packed club full of Mods, dancing to an unknown band call the High Numbers. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

There are several factors why this is such an entertaining documentary: for one, it's a great story, I mean you can't make this stuff up! Then we are blessed to have the interviews with Chris Stamp, who turns out to be a master story teller (other interviewees include Pete Townsend, Roger and Heather Daltrey, and many others). Then we have the incredible luck that these guys were trying to shoot a movie, and hence we have all this incredible footage from the earliest days of the High Numbers/the Who (1964-65), and that alone is worth the price of admission for this documentary. There is tons of other worthwhile archive footage, such as the 1967 French TV footage, where we see Lambert give an interview in perfect French. We reach the "Tommy"-era about 75 min. into the movie, and I was afraid that things were going to become less interesting after that, but as it turns out, that's where the fireworks are about to start... As a casual fan of the Who but an ardent fan of rock music and its history, I found this documentary absolutely worth seeing. The only negative comment that I have is that for some strange reason, the sound mix in the theater was such that at times the background music (usually of the Who) played too loudly and as a result I had trouble understanding the interviewee at times. Very strange.

"Lambert & Stamp" opened last weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I finally had a chance to see it today, which is the last day of its one-week run here. The early evening screening where I saw this at was surprisingly well attended. Probably other movie or music fans who noticed it would not longer be playing. If you are a fan of the Who or of rock music history, you will not want to miss this. "Lambert & Stamp" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

An exciting, warm and compelling story

[jmarkhastings · 10/10 · 6 April 2015]

I saw this movie in NYC and knew only bits and pieces of the story beforehand. The historical footage is astounding, as is the soundtrack. The interviews with Chris Stamp, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Terence Stamp (among others) added authenticity and tremendous depth to the story. While the story is overwhelmingly about the history of the formation and germination of the Who and the Mod movement, the side stories about Jimi Hendrix and his arrival in London, about the angst that was present in post-WWII England, about the facade of financial success and upbringing that drove access to goods, services and credit in 1960s London...those are the pieces of the film that give it such depth. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes the Who, to anyone who likes learning about the early days of rock leading up to the British Invasion, to anyone who likes stories of success, failure and recovery and to anyone who doubts that great things can be accomplished with a lot of luck, hard work, imagination and perseverance.

Had Enough

[asc85 · 4/10 · 5 October 2015]

I was very disappointed in this film. I may not be a Who fanatic, but I am a big Who fan, and "Who's Next" is my favorite all-time record album. So I thought I'd really enjoy this movie and learn more about The Who.

I may have learned a few more things, but the film was a bore. I almost fell asleep around the 40 minute mark, so I turned it off, and finished it the next day, but it didn't get much better.

I think part of the problem is that it's kind of a Who film, but not really. Lambert and Stamp are definitely the focus of this film, and when their life intersects with The Who (which is a significant part of their lives), then they'll talk about The Who. But even then, we hear Chris Stamp droning on and on and on about things, Barney Barnes droning on and on about things, etc. As others noted, this could have easily been cut down to 60 minutes, and might have been more enjoyable.

And since this is about Kit Lambert's life, why didn't the director tell us how he died? I had to look it up after I saw the movie! Maybe the director wanted to show Lambert in a positive light, but since he's one of the stars of the movie, it was a glaring omission, and obviously an intentional one.

Finally, as noted by Richardburkhard in his April, 2015 IMDb review, I would say there are almost definitely fake reviews that were submitted. Slobbering ratings of 10 for a movie where the person has reviewed no other films is kind of the giveaway. Don't be fooled by them.

A Journey of the Heart!

[sufield-39848 · 10/10 · 21 April 2015]

This film will draw you in and touch your heart as it exposes what it means to live your dreams. A beautiful exploration of the visions and fires that brought the legendary band, The Who into being. Two young men from different beginnings find a common vision to create and break free from their origins. The charming and bold duo, Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, remind us what it is to be young and believe in no limits. Genius and madness mix as six incredible talents come together and inspire generations through the universal language of music. In a brave undertaking, director James D. Cooper elicits poignant and fascinating interviews from those who remember this incredible journey. His connection and understanding of these men keeps us engaged and wanting more. It is a universal story of passion and frailty. The lyrical editing and incredible soundtrack complete the picture leaving the audience satisfied and hungering at the same time. A film that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

Won't Get Fooled Again - unless you actually try to sit through this

[RichardBurkhard · 1/10 · 23 April 2015]

Yes, when your mind-numbing two hour vanity piece is an hour too long even for die-hard Who fans and people are walking out in droves, have some studio p.r. flack post multiple glowing IMDb reviews under various just-created identities.

I love the sixties and the whole British Invasion, but this movie is like being cornered in a bar by a bunch of misty-eyed old timers who initially seem cool, but the more they talk (and talk and talk), the more you wish they'd just shut up and go away. My wife may never forgive me for dragging her to this. Properly edited, it would have been a 25 minute bonus feature on a concert DVD.

This is one documentary you don't want to miss out on.

[bryank-04844 · 8/10 · 8 May 2015]

We've seen our number of music documentaries over the years. We've even seen quite a big number of music documentaries concerning the iconic band 'The Who'. Showcasing their music, films, and bandmates, I thought there was nothing left to tell about 'The Who', but I was wrong. This documentary by James D. Cooper and expertly edited by Christopher Tellefsen, tells a story from a different point of view on 'The Who', specifically from Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, hence the title 'Lambert & Stamp'. It's an excellent and intriguing story of two men from very different backgrounds who were responsible for 'The Who'.

Flush with tons of amazing archival footage of the band, the concerts, the behind the scenes, and new interviews with the remaining members of the band and close cohorts and family, 'Lambert & Stamp' is a fun and informative two hours. Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp were so involved and influential to the success of 'The Who', they are considered by Daltrey and Townshend as the "5th and 6th" members of the band. The one unfortunate thing about this documentary is that a few people have died, who were no here to give their side of the story. Most importantly, Kit Lambert, who died back in 1981 was not on hand to talk about the rise of 'The Who'. Neither was John Entwistle or Keith Moon, who have been dead for a number of years now. And even though Chris Stamp died only a couple of years ago, this documentary was shot before his death, thus we receive his very powerful and energetic account of memories and stories throughout the entire film.

From time to time, Townshend and Daltrey discuss what they went through during the early years. But the story of 'The Who' is a unique one, because nobody wanted or even thought this band would be as big and influential as it was today. In fact, we find out that Kit Lambert (a posh and very wealthy son of a classical composer in high society) and Chris Stamp (a son of a tug boat captain who was known for fighting around town) met each other while working on a studio lot for film. Lambert and Stamp's passion were both in filmmaking and thought that if they could find a band, they could make a documentary about them, which would be their stepping stone to making bigger feature movies.

They found a group of guys who thought playing music was fun, but not a long term thing. So from being called the 'High Numbers' to 'The Who', things definitely changed, as the young British kids took to the different style of music 'The Who' was creating like a duck to water. It even gave Lambert and Stamp to talk about live on television the changing times in a political and social setting, all the while promoting 'The Who'. We also find out that Lambert and Stamp pretty much operated on no money up until 'Tommy' was released, and it's great to hear the band members discuss what was like during this time. Of course there were some dark times too, which led to some professional breakups and even drug related deaths.

But it's with the recent interviews with Chris Stamp that keeps things jovial and full of life, as he discusses intimate and fun adventures throughout his young life, running this band. They even talk about how they signed Jimi Hendrix to a record label when in fact they had no record label. It was all quite funny. Cooper and Tellefsen have conjured up and fast paced and fun-as-hell documentary about one of the best bands to ever play a live show anywhere. This is one documentary you don't want to miss out on.

The best film of the year "Lambert & Stamp"

[gowmonk · 10/10 · 18 March 2015]

"Lambert & Stamp"rocks your soul, moves your heart, captures your attention with raw, authentic and vibrant communications between rock icons and visionary wizard managers opening their hearts and history in a never-seen-before transparent way. Chris Stamp & Kit Lambert are pioneers in the music world and initiators of the first UK independent record label "Track Records". The magic of their co-creation, THE WHO, Jimi Hendrix, Thunderclap Newman, Arthur Brown and more. Director James D. Cooper was the only film maker trusted to make this film. Producer Loretta Harms dedicated 10 years of her life holding the privately financed, sacred, creative flow of this extraordinary film. Oscar nominated Hollywood Film editor Chris Tellefsen did a vibrant job of editing the film brilliantly.A work of art!!!! A must see!!!

A Giant Zzzzzzz

[arfdawg-1 · 3/10 · 24 September 2019]

Hands down, this is one of the most boring documentaries you will ever watch.

Two guys you never hear of and don't care to for nearly two hours.

Don't even bother

Lambert & Stamp

[sunnyineh · 10/10 · 21 April 2015]

Such a wonderful documentary film which totally captivated me from start to finish. The most fascinating story behind the Who is that of Chris Stamp & Kit Lambert. Just brilliant who knew what went on behind the scenes in the discovery, management and success of THE WHO BAND! To see all the footage from the late 1960's Mod explosion, the dynamics and energy from Chris, Kit and the rock' n roll band was all so emotionally moving. You walk away experiencing the evolution of a band feeling their vision, passion, determination and hard work. I can't wait to see it again and I recommend it to all! A film not to miss! Keep your eye out it will be coming to a theater near you!

Not really justice done to the amazing band this is about

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 10 February 2017]

"Lambert & Stamp" is an American documentary movie from 2014, actually April 2015 if you don't count Sundance and stuff. It was directed by James D. Cooper and focuses on the early years of the band The Who. The film runs for almost 2 hours, so it is pretty long and I cannot deny I felt it had some lengths as well. According to IMDb, the main language here is German, but I don't think this is correct. At least the version I watched was almost nothing but English-language and German also wouldn't make much sense looking at who this is about, who gets interviewed and, last but not least, who made it. The people in the title were both film producers, both dead now sadly, Stamp only for 5 years, but Lambert already for several decades. When they were trying to make a new movie, they came across the band "The Who" in the very early stages of their existence, even under a different name back then and we see the impact these two filmmakers had on Daltrey, Townshend and co back then. The interviews with these music legends were also the somewhat only thing I found kinda memorable about this documentary. I would call myself not really a fan of The Who, but there are some songs by them that i like quite a bit. But if you watch this with the approach of becoming a fan, then it probably will not be successful, even if you know and like them already a bit before checking out this movie. On another note, the Stamp mentioned in the title here is indeed the brother of British actor Terence Stamp, somebody that I like quite a bit. But not even this affection was enough for me to end up enjoying this pretty overlong film eventually. I give it a thumbs-down. Not recommended.

A great documentary about two unlikely friends & even more unlikely band managers

[info-12190 · 10/10 · 20 April 2015]

I found this documentary fascinating and on many levels. Chris Stamp seems like an amazing man, his energy leaps off the screen, and the editing is such that you really feel in the time of the discovery and launching of The Who with all of the craziness. The film is fun to watch and there is a tidbit in there about the early days of a band we all know that is, by itself, worth watching the whole movie. I'm going to see it again because the editing is the visual representation of what is being said by the interviewees and there's so much worth a second look that goes by quickly. My wife loved it, too. It's not often you get to see a documentary that is as real and relaxed and worth watching as "Lambert Stamp."

The human spirit of creating

[sjary-59834 · 10/10 · 23 May 2015]

It had me and my friends talking for an hour after the movie, marveling at the feats and actions of two young men with a dream. The dedication, commitment, creativity and audacity of these two men was astounding. Amazing characters, better than a novel, and true life. The move is a fascinating story, that is real, about how creativity, naivety and spontaneity can triumph. And, a morality play of how personalities and excess can lead to destruction. The interviews with Chris Stamp, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltry, Terrence Stamp and others are captivating. Character development,par excellence. It was also a cool glimpse into the Mod time of the 60s in London.

In depth with the faces that mattered.

[kevinscottgold · 10/10 · 3 November 2015]

You can not take your attention away from this once it starts, it just rolls on and on from one predicament to another. The insight of a very hard working relationship with in the band The Who. Personalities, indulgences, the ideas and heart beat with in the band. Lambert and Kit had never managed a band before and the band where right at the beginnings of being a band. This film shows how it all merged and went along. The creativity, the action, the road to total out of control of money, drink and drugs, in amongst trying to be business men, plus a rock opera thrown in and travelling all over the World. Winning and losing, the make ups and the breakdowns. Kit and Lambert where a driving force at one time but the chaos that developed between Moon, Townshend, Entwhistle and Daltery became unrepairable as the over indulgences and money just got bigger and bigger., until things had to change for good.