Proving that the Turtles were as vital to '60s pop as many better-known bands, this delightful 1991 documentary is blessed by the lively personalities of Turtles vocalists Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (a.k.a. "Flo & Eddie"), whose anecdotes (including memorable encounters with Bob Dylan and the Beatles) are as entertaining as the group's enduring music. Interviews with bandmates reveal that the Turtles were genuinely "Happy Together," enjoying their popularity without the ego hassles that plague so many bands. It wasn't all fun and games, but even the "Lawsuits" chapter provides a hilarious primer on the hazards of rock & roll. Best of all, the Turtles' hits (including "She's My Girl," "Elenore," and many more) are seamlessly combined with rare concert footage, TV appearances, and promotional films. For veteran fans and appreciative latecomers, this DVD is a joy to behold and includes a "songs only" feature that's handy for subsequent viewings. --Jeff Shannon |
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17 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 I can't see me loving nobody but youDec 27, 2002
By John Jordan
There's no doubt in my mind that The Turtles were probably the most underrated band from the 60s.
"And who believes that my wildest dreams and my craziest schemes will come true? You baby, nobody but you." Where are the songs today that can pack that much simple emotion in so few words, with a tune that makes you want to smile and sing along?
This DVD shows a band that has had its share of hard times and good times, and somehow seem to have retained a sense of humor about it all. Where was Al Nichol, the lead guitarist? I would like to have heard more about their song arrangements etc.
That aside, five stars for a good time, good vibe and good memories.
Take notes during the manager story. You'll need them.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Lots of laughs and fine musicJan 16, 2002
By GBS
"showbiz27"
Why this band isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a mystery...The Turtles were a mix of great musical talent and enormous humor. Fronted by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, they churned out a solid collection of hits. But the band wasn't just Mark and Howie, moving through the group over the years were great rock musicians. Bones Howe notes in the film that the Turtles were one of the few LA pop bands of the 60s that were allowed to play on their own records, so tight was their ensemble. And in here are all the hits, including one ("Eleanor") performed live on TV. You get memories from most of the past group members, and ongoing commentary from Mark and Howie. And keep it on to the end, as Mark and Howie give a hilarious lesson on how not to hire managers. This DVD is a great tribute to an overlooked band.
13 of 14 found the following review helpful:
A low key successFeb 08, 2003
By S. R.
I am not really familiar with The Turtles, I mean I hear their hits on oldies stations regularly, but I never knew the members too well. So I purchased the DVD for 12.99 and it was a good buy. The production values are decent and there's lots of band footage from concerts and television (mostly TV) and the two lead singers (Flo and Eddie?) add a lot of commentary along with others members of the band. Sound quality is excellent, even on the old TV shots, and some of the newer TV shots the sound is even better. "Elenor" played on a television show is presented here where the band actually performs the tune instead of lip-syncing the hit (an all too common practice)and give a crackerjack performance, to boot! A good effort for a good solid band that bridged the pop gap from the 60's into the early 70's.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
The quintesential rock and roll "sixties band" documentary.Aug 14, 1999
From the Filmrore to the White House, no other American rock band epitomized the sixties as did the Turtles. From their ragged beginnings as a high school garage band to the international hitmakers that scored over 30 hits, this wonderful video takes you backstage as the group evolved from happy ragamuffins-- a local surf band in Los Angeles-- to all the legal stumbling blocks that finally tore the act apart. Flo and Eddie's now-famous "Manager Story" is an hilarious piece of showbiz legend, and the candid interview with those lads as well as with Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Ray Manzerek and Stephen Bishop among others makes this a must-own piece of history from the fine folks at Rhino Records.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
A Great Story. Well told.Mar 26, 2007
By Rick Holly
"Rick Holly"
Of all of the "story of the band" tales out there, this one may be the best. If you like even one of their songs you should get this DVD. I have had it on VHS since it first came out and had to have a DVD version. They tell all the dirt with humor and tremendous insight into what went right and what went wrong. The explanation about the history of the groups eight different managers is like comedy routine that ends the DVD with the perfect amount of realism and Flo and Eddie humor. The live T.V. version of Eleanor shows just how good they really were.
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