The Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979)

100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(258 ratings)

The classic rock group The Who are featured in this 1979 documentary about the career of the group. It is enhanced by rare footage of the performers, including a television interview with the later-deceased Keith Moon. Highlights include footage from many of the band's early performances. Among the… More The classic rock group The Who are featured in this 1979 documentary about the career of the group. It is enhanced by rare footage of the performers, including a television interview with the later-deceased Keith Moon. Highlights include footage from many of the band's early performances. Among the many songs featured are "Magic Bus," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "My Generation," "Young Man's Blues," "Happy Jack," and excerpts from the innovative rock-opera Tommy. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Jeff Stein
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Dec 31, 1979 Wide
On DVD: Sep 30, 2003

Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... a scrappy, vibrant musical portrait painted in the bold colors of rock itself: impassioned lyrics, power chords, crashing drums and smashing guitars.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
I can't explain, so you'll just have to tune into "My Generation" to get the Who's status as one of the all-time great bands.
Jurgen Fauth, About.com
This is not a film about rock'n roll, it is rock'n roll.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Good Who documentary

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stephen M

A cracking compilation of archive interview and performance footage of The Who. This type of thing usually gets no further than preaching to the converted, but "The Kids Are Alright" is exceptional in that it could just turn you on to a band you might previously have been… More
A cracking compilation of archive interview and performance footage of The Who. This type of thing usually gets no further than preaching to the converted, but "The Kids Are Alright" is exceptional in that it could just turn you on to a band you might previously have been ambivalent about. What is abundantly clear to anyone is that they were an awesome live act, comprised of the best rock bassist, perhaps the best drummer and one of the most original songwriters of the era. Oh, and Roger Daltrey. The downside is that the interview footage is not especially illuminating. John Entwistle is largely reticent and Keith Moon hides behind his genial twit facade, but Daltrey manages to drop a few pearls of honest, no-nonsense wisdom. Pete Townshend comes across as a fascinating character, alternately self-effacing, jokey or pompous depending on how highbrow the interview is. My highlight was watching them record "Who Are You?" in the studio.