Lambert & Stamp

The “most unlikely partnership” of Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp was born out of the headstrong illogic of youth—a crazy scheme by a couple of frustrated assistant film directors to manage an unknown rock band to stardom, with the ultimate intent of making a Hard Day's Night-like film that would launch their directing careers—that only seemed more illogical when that band became The Who. Although they had never managed or produced anyone before, the combination of the well-travelled, Oxford-educated Lambert and the suave Cockney con man Stamp (brother of actor Terence) meshed with The Who's dysfunctional family dynamics—their lack of musical sophistication fostered a try-anything environment, and their long-form storytelling ambitions nudged Pete Townshend towards Tommy. James D. Cooper's documentary is superficial but heady, a breathless ride through 1960s mod culture driven largely by the irresistible personality of Stamp and the propulsive, wall-to-wall Who music. D.B.