Marc Bolan (December 16, 1972) – “Some People Like To Roll...” Film Review – Sounds.
Sounds publishes one of the earliest reviews of Born To Boogie, with Steve Peacock assessing Ringo Starr’s film documenting Marc Bolan and T. Rex at the peak of Bolanmania. Combining concert footage, humour and backstage moments, the film is presented as a unique cinematic snapshot of Britain’s biggest rock phenomenon.
Publication: Sounds
Publication Date: December 16, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: December 1972 – UK cinema release of Born To Boogie
Written by Steve Peacock, this review examines Born To Boogie, the Apple Films production directed by Ringo Starr and starring Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The article opens by comparing the personalities involved, describing the meeting of two generations of pop idols in front of the camera.
Peacock notes that the film successfully captures much of the spontaneity and energy surrounding
T. Rex performances, highlighting concert footage filmed at Wembley and the Empire Pool. Particular attention is given to performances of Telegram Sam, Jeepster, Hot Love, Get It On, and The Slider, with Bolan depicted as the central focus throughout.
The review discusses Ringo Starr's approach to directing, praising the inclusion of unexpected and humorous moments that move beyond the standard concert‑film formula. Scenes featuring Mickey Finn, June Bolan and members of Bolan's circle are noted alongside backstage sequences and informal footage.
Peacock also comments on the studio material created specifically for the film, including appearances by Elton John and Ringo Starr.
While he appreciates certain inventive moments and visual touches, he ultimately feels that the film works best as a rock and roll entertainment rather than as a complete cinematic statement.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published shortly after the film's release, this review provides a contemporary critical reaction to one of the most important visual records of Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Born To Boogie captured the band during the height of Bolanmania and preserved performances that have since become central to the group's legacy.
The page also contains a large cinema advertisement promoting Born To Boogie, showing the familiar image of Marc Bolan seated on a tiger and listing participating cinemas. The combination of review and advertisement demonstrates the significance attached to the film's release during late 1972.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of Born To Boogie
Era: 1972 – Peak Bolanmania period
Tone: Analytical, appreciative and critical
Photography: Large live performance photograph of Marc Bolan on stage together with a substantial Born To Boogie cinema advertisement
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Sounds review of Born To Boogie
Steve Peacock's assessment of the film
Discussion of Ringo Starr's direction
Coverage of live T. Rex performances featured in the movie
References to Elton John and Mickey Finn
Full‑page Born To Boogie cinema advertisement
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