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Documentary Tells Dark Story of '70s Band Runaways
09/03/2004 8:13 PM, Reuters
Carla Hay
Child exploitation, band infighting
and broken dreams are all explored in the documentary
"Edgeplay: A Film About the Runaways."
Much has been said about pioneering all-female rock band
the Runaways, but "Edgeplay" is the first time the group's
story, told from the perspective of former members, has been
caught on film.
"Edgeplay" has screened at several festivals this year,
including the London Film Festival and the Don't Knock the Rock
Film & Music Festival in Los Angeles. There are no theatrical
release plans for "Edgeplay," but Image Entertainment will
release the movie on DVD in January.
"This was the toughest thing I've ever done in my life,"
says director/writer/producer/editor Victory Tischler-Blue,
also known as Vicki Blue, the name she used as a bass player in
the Runaways. "I felt I needed to protect my bandmates but also
hold people accountable for their actions."
"Edgeplay" is Tischler-Blue's feature directorial debut,
and it takes an unflinching look at the dark side of the music
business. The movie candidly tells the Runaways' story from the
band's 1975 origins to 1979 breakup, as well as charting its
members' post-breakup experiences.
DARK DAYS
During their heyday, the Runaways were teenagers, and their
music often was marketed as "jailbait rock." "Edgeplay"
chillingly details the band members' experiences of
exploitation and abuse -- and the long-term effects.
"This is a heavy, dark film," Tischler-Blue says. "Each
girl's story is different. But Sandy West's story is probably
the toughest out of all of them. People seem to react to her
story the most because it's so raw and heartfelt."
"Edgeplay" is from Tischler-Blue's production company,
Sacred Dogs Entertainment, whose upcoming projects include two
Suzi Quatro films: documentary "Naked Under Leather" and
concert DVD "Leather Forever."
Jackie Fuchs, also known as former Runaways bassist Jackie
Fox, was an executive producer of "Edgeplay," along with Dwina
Murphy-Gibb (wife of the Bee Gees' Robin Gibb) and P. Arden
Brotman.
Fuchs says, "Vicki's choices for this film probably aren't
what other people in the band may have made. Vicki joined the
band at a very dark time. She didn't get to experience the
times that were more fun."
ONE HOLDOUT
Although former Runaways members Lita Ford , Cherie Currie,
West, Kari Krome and Fox all agreed to be interviewed for the
movie, the most famous ex-member, Joan Jett , refused to take
part.
Tischler-Blue says, "It was disappointing that Joan chose
not to participate, but she typically hasn't liked talking
about the Runaways in interviews."
Jett, who co-wrote most of the Runaways' songs, also did
not grant permission to use the band's music in the film. As a
result, the Runaways performance footage in the movie shows
them playing only covers.
Fortunately, the "Edgeplay" companion album (released Aug.
24 on Hip-O Records/UMG Soundtracks) consists mostly of
Runaways music, including "Cherry Bomb," "Hollywood" and live
versions of "Secrets" and "Rock 'N' Roll." Fuchs and
Tischler-Blue executive-produced the set.
The album also includes previously unreleased tracks from
Ford and Quatro, who appears in the film.
LEGAL MATTERS
Fuchs is now an entertainment attorney, and she says the
Runaways' bad experiences in the music business probably
influenced her decision to become a lawyer.
Kim Fowley , the notorious former manager of the Runaways,
"treated us badly," Fuchs says, "but I think all of us were a
little bit damaged before we joined the Runaways."
Tischler-Blue adds, "Kim Fowley wasn't the only villain.
There were a lot of people who took advantage of us." Fowley
could not be reached for comment.
The director says her goal with "Edgeplay" is "to tell the
real story of this band and to get the message across that it's
so important for kids to have a solid foundation.
"It took me six years to do this film," Tischler-Blue says.
"There were so many times I wanted to give up, but I persevered
and I'm grateful to all the people who encouraged me to keep
going."
Reuters/Billboard
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