Tommy

Tommy, motion-picture musical about a boy who loses the use of his eyes, ears, and vocal chords after his father’s death, based on the musical drama by Pete Townsend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. Released in 1975, this award-winning rock opera was directed by Ken Russell and stars Roger Daltrey as Tommy Walker. Walker’s mother falls in with an unpleasant man after the death of her husband, Captain Walker, and Tommy undergoes constant abuse in the hands of his new stepfamily and their associates. However, he develops a startling ability as a young man to play championship pinball, based solely on his innate instinct for the game. This film features many drug-related psychedelic scenes, dancing, and other over-the-top oddities indicative of director Russell’s work. Tommy features a hit score that includes the songs “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me, Feel Me,” and others, performed by The Who, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.

Director

• Ken Russell

Cast

• Ann-Margret (Nora Walker Hobbs)
• Oliver Reed (Frank Hobbs)
• Roger Daltrey (Tommy Walker)
• Elton John (Pinball Wizard)
• Eric Clapton (Preacher)
• Jack Nicholson (Specialist)
• Robert Powell (Captain Walker)
• Paul Nicholas (Cousin Kevin)
• Tina Turner (Acid Queen)
• Barry Winch (Young Tommy)
• Victoria Russell (Sally Simpson)
• Arthur Brown (Priest)
• Ben Aris (Reverend Simpson)
• Mary Holland (Mrs. Simpson)
• Jennifer Baker (Nurse)
• Susan Baker (Nurse)
• Imogen Claire (Nurse)
• Juliet King (Handmaiden)
• Gillian King (Handmaiden)
• Pete Townshend (Handmaiden)
• John Entwistle (Handmaiden)
• Keith Moon (Uncle Ernie)

Awards

• Golden Globes Award for Best Motion Picture Actress—Musical/Comedy (1965): Ann-Margret