Tommy (1975)

About this episode

The episode explores Ken Russell's adaptation of The Who's rock opera 'Tommy' with discussions on its visuals, lyrics, and performances.

"Do you think it's alright to leave the boy with this podcast?" Yes, we think it's alright, but judge for yourself as we go on the amazing journey of Ken Russell's gonzo adaptation of The Who's rock opera. Our contestants are grilled on the psychedelic visuals, mind-bending lyrics, and crazy cameos. Strap-on your oversized stilt boots, set your television to explode, and brace yourself for the golden tones of Oliver Reed and Jack Nicholson in glorious Qunitaphonic sound! Check out Mission: Rejected Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Check out Oops All Bards here⁠ Host: J. Michael DeAngelis Contestants: Jillian Ivey, Mylene Kerschner, Bob Killion

People in this episode

Host: J. Michael DeAngelis

Guests: Jillian Ivey, Mylene Kerschner, Bob Killion

Topics covered

• rock opera
• film adaptation
• psychedelic visuals
• music
• cinema
• cameos

Keywords

• Tommy
• The Who
• Ken Russell
• rock opera
• psychedelic
• film
• cinema
• Oliver Reed
• Jack Nicholson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mission: Rejected, Oops All Bards

Books & works: Tommy, The Who

More episodes of What Did We Just Watch?

• Bonus: Year 3 Quiz Show · June 8, 2026 · 31 min
• Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) · June 4, 2026 · 3h 13m
• Money Plane (2020) · May 21, 2026 · 2h 42m
• Flash Gordon (1980) · May 7, 2026 · 1h 38m
• Iron Mask (2019) · April 23, 2026 · 2h 27m
• The Transformers: The Movie (1986) · April 9, 2026 · 2h 14m