I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction of late visionary flamboyant British filmmaker Ken Russell’s 1971 bio-pic The Music Lovers. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 28, 1991 (read here). I agree with everything Cox says here; not only about the film – it is indeed a biggish budget British film with balls as he so eloquently states – but also about director Russell himself. Nevertheless, unlike Cox, I love Altered States and Gothic every bit as much as his 70’s work. I have talked about Russell quite a few times before (read here, here, here and here) and along with the recently departed Nicolas Roeg (who died back in 2018), Russell stood out as one of the two greatest transgressive filmmakers to emerge within the British cinema during the second half of the 20th century. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Ken Russell films (read here).
Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to The Music Lovers
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
Here is a youtube video link to director Bernard Rose’s (Candyman) Trailers From Hell commentary for it
Here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode’s take on Ken Russell (he was a big fan). This was recorded in 2011 – shortly after Russell died.
Last, but not least, here is a link to Cox’s obituary for Russell (note you have to scroll all the way down to find it)
cinematiccoffee 
I saw that film at the cinema, and always enjoyed Ken’s unusual somewhat rebellious style. Kermode is still my favourite British critic, as I find myself agreeing with his film choices 95% of the time.
Best wishes, Pete.
I love Tommy. That’s pretty much it, for me. It’s just a matter of personal taste. I’m not inferring that he’s not a good director. I can see why you revere him.
I couldn’t help feeling nostalgic reading Alex Cox’s introduction, talking of video shops being a veritable trove of Russell films. I miss those days, especially Sunday evenings watching Moviedrome.
I haven’t seen many of his films, but Altered States is a favorite, such a bizarre romp. Sadly (?) I haven’t even heard of The Music Lovers. But now that I’ve looked him up, I don’t think I can resist seeing “A Kitten for Hitler,” LOL
Ken Russell’s rebellious style is indeed what made him so unique as you so eloquently state Pete. Speaking of him, did you know that future British filmmaker Derek Jarman (deceased since 94) served as the production designer on The Devils? Interesting isn’t it? 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
For someone like you Pam, Ken Russell is either a director whose works you will either love, hate or have mixed feelings about 🙂 I think what makes Russell so unique is how unconventional they are when viewing British cinema as a whole. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
If I had lived in the UK (let alone grew up there – I have been living in the US since the day I was born) during that time, Moviedrome would have been my Nirvana as well 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Check out some of Ken Russell’s work because he is quite the visionary. I think you can watch A Kitten for Hitler on youtube. I believe it runs 8 minutes. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
🙂
Thanks for the tip.
Didn’t know it was 8 minutes.
I did, John. And I have visited Jarman’s unusual seaside home in Kent too.
https://www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/derek_jarman_garden_prospect_cottage_dungeness
“I did, John. And I have visited Jarman’s unusual seaside home in Kent too.”
That is pretty awesome Pete 🙂 What a pretty Cottage it is 🙂