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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

50,000 bands and 1 disgusting bathroom.

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Music | Romance

---

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.

---

Goofs

Some stickers on the wall of CBGB didn't exist when the club opened.

---

Quotes

Lisa Kristal: I'm going to law school.
Hilly Kristal: Really? How come?
Lisa Kristal: 'Cause I know you're gonna need me to. Even though I know you'll never admit it. Your friends have been waiting out there for you all fucking day. Get your ass out there!
Hilly Kristal: You know, I really don't appreciate all the swearing.

---

Crazy Credits

Dailies by: Nextlab Digital Services Nightlies by: Your Mom

---

Connections

References White Zombie (1932)

---

Soundtracks

All This and More
Written by Jimmy Zero
Performed by The Dead Boys (as Dead Boys)
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Historical inaccuracies bound

Regardless of the inaccuracies, the music is great and the film provides a small glimpse into the scene at the Bowery club. Alan Rickman is wonderfully droll and captures the spirit of Hilly. Nice seeing a few old rockers pop up in cameos. Would have been nice to see more character development and have the bands that helped kick off the club and the punk scene be portrayed more than cardboard cut-outs. You can practically smell the stale beer and pee. I would suggest reading Legs McNeil's, "Please Kill Me" to supplement the film's account of the mid 70's NY music scene. Some casting was spot on, but the Lou Reed scene was pathetic and the actor was horrible. I like Justin Bartha, as well, but Stiv Bators was hardly adorable. The wigs were ridiculous too.

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