CBGB (2013)

A look at the New York City punk-rock scene and the venerable nightclub, CBGB.

Director:

Randall Miller

Writers:

Jody Savin, Randall Miller

Stars:

Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Justin Bartha

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Rickman	...	Hilly Kristal
Malin Akerman	...	Debbie Harry
Justin Bartha	...	Stiv Bators
Richard de Klerk	...	Taxi
Johnny Galecki	...	Terry Ork
Kyle Gallner	...	Lou Reed
Ashley Greene	...	Lisa Kristal
Rupert Grint	...	Cheetah Chrome
Estelle Harris	...	Bertha Kristal
Taylor Hawkins	...	Iggy Pop
Ryan Hurst	...	Mad Mountain
Stana Katic	...	Genya Ravan
Joel David Moore	...	Joey Ramone
Ahna O'Reilly	...	Mary Harron
Freddy Rodríguez	...	Idaho

Storyline

CBGB follows the story of Hilly Kristal's New York club from its concept as a venue for Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock 'n roll and punk. When Kristal had difficulty booking country bands in his club on the Bowery he opened his doors to other kinds of rock music. Kristal had one demand of the acts he booked; they could only play original music. No top 40's, no covers. It was the credo he lived by, support the artist at whatever the cost. Hilly Kristal ironically became known as the godfather of punk giving a chance to such bands as Blondie, Television, Ramones, Talking Heads, Dead Boys and The Police.

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Plot Keywords:

punk | nightclub | blondie the singer character | blonde woman | club | 

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Taglines:

50,000 bands and 1 disgusting bathroom.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content, drug use, and a scene of violence.

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film ends with The Police auditioning for a gig at the club. Mickey Sumner, who plays Patti Smith, is Sting's daughter.

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Goofs

In an early scene when Hilly is scouting out locations, a bottle of Hendrick's Gin is clearly visible atop a garbage can beneath a no parking sign. Hendrick's wasn't introduced until 1999.

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Quotes

Lisa Kristal: You seen this?
Hilly Kristal: No.
Lisa Kristal: "The great thing about this band, Television, is that they have absolutely n musical or socially redeeming characteristics and they know it."
Hilly Kristal: Who wrote that?
Lisa Kristal: Josh Feigenbaum.
Hilly Kristal: Who's he?
Lisa Kristal: He's important. So, people are gonna read this and they're gonna start talking. And bands are gonna start showing up wanting to play here. And all bands have fans, even the shitty ones. And everybody wants to be in a band and have fans, so new bands are gonna start up and show up. You have no idea ...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

"This film is dedicated to... Hilly Kristal and all those who worked at and lived at CBGB. MAY THEY ROCK ON FOREVER! No animals were harmed during the making of this film... The cockroach guts were Fig Newtons. And we know that Iggy Pop never played at CBGB... Just deal with it."

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Connections

Referenced in Chelsea Lately: Episode #7.150 (2013)

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Soundtracks

Kick Out the Jams
Written by Michael Davis, Rob Tyner (as Robert Derminer), Wayne Kramer, Fred 'Sonic' Smith (as Frederick Smith), Dennis Thompson (as Dennis Tomich)
Performed by MC5
Courtesy of Elektra Entertainment Group
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

A Little Club That Could.. at least for a little while!

Saw the CBGB Movie last night... Great job! no car crashes.. just Hilly's truck, no alien invasion, no love story unless you count the part with.. Well, I wont mention any names.. Just a story about a little club that could.. at least for a little while. Alan Rickman did capture the essence of Mr. K.. this is not a documentary so I did not mind the time line of certain things not being accurate, it was entertaining and if you were not fortunate enough to have been there back in the day you can still learn a thing or two about the beginnings of Punk Rock. Yes there were many bands that played that stage and some are upset for not being included.. perhaps writing scathing reviews.. I was happy to be there "cant all be rock stars" Great tribute to Hilly at the end when Talking Heads were added to R&R Hall of Fame. I loved it and do want to see it again!

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Twitter

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 October 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

CBGB

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,909, 6 October 2013

Gross USA:

$40,400

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$40,400

Company Credits

Production Co:

Unclaimed Freight Productions, Rampart Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1