Amoeba Music

Surely you remember the riot grrl movement of the 90s – it was hard to forget the underground feminists creating their own DIY scene and giving rise to a resurgence in punk.

Well, here we have an 80s film that was often referenced by those riot grrls.

In Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains, Diane Lane plays Corinne Burns, a young teenage girl who is determined to make a name for her band, The Fabulous Stains. Her mouth runs like nobody's business and her antics get her the fifteen minutes of fame she earned. The phenomenon of teenage girls like Corinne becoming influential, rebellious figures among the feminine youth is not a novelty. What makes Lane fun to watch is her relentless drive to just make it, and all the adventures that come along with that.

The cast features Ray Winstone, Laura Dern, Steve Jones and Paul Cook from The Sex Pistols, Paul Simonon from The Clash, and Vince Welnick and Fee Waybill from The Tubes.

Although this film has never had a wide release, it has always had a loyal cult following, and deservingly so. It was often looked upon as an influence on the riot grrl movement. Adler's film is a cultural landmark with great performances and entertaining moments.