That'll Be the Day

That'll Be the Day is a 1973 British film, directed by Claude Watham and written by Ray Connolly. The film stars David Essex, Ringo Starr, and Rosemary Leach among others.

The movie centers around a young working-class lad named Jim MacLaine, played by David Essex. Jim is brought up in the rural parts of England at the tail end of the 1950s, a period steeped in traditions, austerity, and social restraint inherited from the aftermath of the Second World War. Jim's character portrays the archetypal explosion of a youthful entity striving to escape conventionality, making That'll Be the Day a definitive kitchen-sink drama portraying the rebellious nature in teens, thriving within the changing economic, social, and cultural landscape of Britain at the time.

David Essex shines in his debut performance as MacLaine, who is characterized by a deep rebellion against authority figures. He abandons his grammar school education, much to his mother's disappointment (poignantly played by actress Rosemary Leach), before plunging headfirst into a number of blue-collar jobs. This sets the backdrop for Jim's life, offering a gritty snapshot of working-class living conditions and aspirations across rural England.

Ringo Starr, who was a member of the iconic Beatles band, shows his acting chops as Mike, Jim's consistently unreliable yet charismatic friend. Starr’s natural flair and effortless charisma bring a contrasting energy to Essex's enigmatic brooding presence.

The film captures the lure of the new and exciting world of rock ‘n’ roll, pulling Jim away from the mundanity of the rural English lifestyle. He becomes fascinated with the idea of becoming a rock star, enamored by the charisma, the fame, and the sense of freedom that the lifestyle brings.

The movie is steeped heavily in the period's culture, with a blend of authentic cinematic scenes deftly transporting viewers back to the late fifties and early sixties. The soundtrack forms a key heartstring of its narrative, filled with rock ‘n’ roll classics that successfully capture the rhythm and energy of the era. It also illustrates how the music of the time provided a liberating soundtrack for the young generation's rebellion, longing, and aspirations.

That'll Be the Day offers a deeper exploration of the era through the lens of its societal norms and perspectives on gender roles and class boundaries. It examines these constraints in the context of a burgeoning pop-culture and the prevailing American influence creeping into British society and challenging its entrenched norms.

The film’s style and narrative bring to light the seedy underbelly of the showbiz world, wherein our protagonist learns harsh realities with every stride in his journey toward stardom. It gives a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows of the entertainment industry and the price of trying to break into its ranks.

That’ll Be the Day ultimately serves as a character study of one individual trying to find his place in a rapidly shifting society and stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue an unconventional dream. It effectively uses the cultural backdrop of its time, navigating themes of rebellion, ambition, and disillusionment within a society in flux.

Though its story and themes set a melancholic tone, the film is remembered for its stirring performances, notably from David Essex and Ringo Starr, its classic rock 'n’ roll soundtrack, and its portrayal of a changing era. It’s a love letter to rock ‘n' roll, layered with a raw and gritty coming-of-age story, paralleling its vitality and rawness with the protagonist’s journey.

That'll Be the Day is a film that takes a step beyond the conventional rock ‘n’ roll cliché. It is an important snapshot of British youth culture in a time of swift change and exploration of new freedoms, and a showcase of the transformative power of music on a generation.