Baby Snakes (1979)

Rock artist Frank Zappa hosts a concert in New York City. This movie contains tons of on-stage footage, off-stage footage, and animation.

Director:

Frank Zappa

Writer:

Frank Zappa

Stars:

Frank Zappa, Adrian Belew, Tommy Mars

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Frank Zappa	...	Self
Adrian Belew	...	Self - Guitar
Tommy Mars	...	Self - Keyboards
Terry Bozzio	...	Self - Drums
Kerry McNabb	...	Self - Soundman
Ron Delsener	...	Self - Concert Promoter
Bruce Bickford	...	Self - Animator
Robert Leacock	...	Self - Bickford's Cameraman (as Rob Leacock)
Ed Mann	...	Self - Percussion
Warren Cuccurullo	...	Self - Backstage Fan (as Warren Cucurullo)
Chrissie Martin	...	Self - Cuccurullo's Girlfriend (as Chris Martin)
Klaus Hundsbichler	...	Self - Bickford's Film Editor
Roy Estrada	...	Self - The Mexican Pope
John Smothers	...	Self - Zappa's Bodyguard
David B. Ditkowwich	...	Self - Brooklyn For Zappa (as David Ditkowich)

Storyline

Rock artist Frank Zappa hosts a concert in New York City. This movie contains tons of on-stage footage, off-stage footage, and animation.

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Plot Keywords:

concert film | year 1977 | frank zappa | claymation | live action and animation | 

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Taglines:

"Give yourself up...you are completely surrounded by Policemen..."

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film had particular trouble finding a distributor. Frank Zappa tried to interest United Artists, the company that released 200 Motels (1971). Fearing that it was about to be embroiled in the Heaven's Gate (1980) fiasco, UA turned him down. Other studios followed in its footsteps, fearing that Zappa's trademark cinematic style had lost considerable appeal in post-'70s pop culture. Several European distributors told him that there might be interest if it were cut from its original 168-minute running time. The film was cut to 90 minutes and still there were no takers. Even after Bruce Bickford's sequences won first prize at a French animated film competition, there was no interest. Eventually Zappa took it upon himself to distribute the film independently via his own Intercontinental Absurdities production company. The film ran 24 hours a day at the Victoria Theater in New York City and made a handsome profit.

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Quotes

Frank Zappa: God made three mistakes. First was the man. Second was the wo-man. Third was the poodle. He meant to make a German Shepherd but he fucked up.

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Crazy Credits

The credited cast includes ""Frenchy the Poodle" (a stuffed toy); "Ms Pinky's Larger Sister" (a blow-up doll); "New York's Finest Crazy Persons"; "and probably lots more people whose names we couldn't find out, but whose assistance in making this film is greatly appreciated".

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Alternate Versions

1984 reissue was edited to 91 minutes.

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Connections

Referenced in Eaten Alive! (1980)

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Soundtracks

Hot Poop
Written and Produced by Frank Zappa
Performed by The Mothers of Invention
(original VHS version only)

User Reviews

Sublime talent, twisted mind

i love frank zappa. I didn't really know much about frank zappa the first time i watched this video. I was in a friends apartment and everybody fell asleep while watching it except me and another guy. We were glued to it. The muscianship is unmatched by any video i have seen accept maybe sign of the times or rashaan roland kirk at the montery jazz fest. i was so impressed with what i saw and heard that i was instantly transformed into a zappa fan. If you don't like this video but are still interested in zappa you should check out something from one of his other periods. I most like the funk/fusion sound of the early 70's ie live at the roxy and elsewhere. but the pure zanyness of we're only in it for the money is unique and wonderful. babbbbbieeee snnnaaaaa-eaaaaa-eaaa-eaaakes!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 December 1979 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

166 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1