New York Doll Reviews

• BEAUTIFUL

  
  By AF26PGC17Y15H on 2006-04-05
  The New Yorks Dolls are one of the most influentual bands in the history of modern music. They gave birth to the Glam and Punk movements of the 1970's and were the primary fashion influence of the hair bands of the 1980's. Most of my own favorite bands probably would have never existed if the Dolls had not existed first. And honestly, I don't think they ever wrote a bad song.
  Anyway, as someone who was born Mormon, but grew up "punk" and now exists somewhere between the two this movie spoke to me on more levels than one. I was afraid it might seem like Mormon propaganda (it does not) or might make fun of Mormonism (it also does not.) It is very honest and I was moved to tears several times.
  The extra features on the DVD are must sees and hearing David Johansen sing one of my all-time favorite hymns (Come, Come Ye Saints) was just amazing. Arthur Kane has joined his friends and bandmates beyond the veil but the legacy his band left (and his more quiet works in the service of the church) live on to inspire us.
  
  

• Short Touching Musician Bio-Pic

  
  By A2NX99GVAX4TRP on 2006-05-29
  Glam,punk rockers The New York Dolls became more popular and influential after their two studio albums and break-up in 1975--then when they were in their prime.
  
  They inspired a varied group of musicians -- some of whom (Chrissy Hynde, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Bob Geldorf appear on camera here).
  
  The most famous band member is musician/actor David Johansen who became better known as Buster Poindexter for many years.
  
  This documentary is about another original member, Charles 'Killer' Kane- the base player who faded into neary poverty, drug and alcohol addiction and obscurity shortly after the band broke up.
  
  Greg Whiteley, a devout Mormon and aspiring film-maker began making "New York Doll" a couple of years after he met one of his Mormon brothers, Arthur Kane who quickly explained he was once known as `Killer' Kane the bassist for the legendary punk rock band, New York Dolls. In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction development, Kane got wind of a rumor that what he had prayed for nearly 30 years to happen----The New York Dolls were going to re-unite.
  
  Wait a minute 'Killer Kane' wound up an LDS member? Yep.
  When several of Kane's congregational members raised $300 dollars and gave it to him to get his old bass guitars out of hock at the pawn-shop, Greg Whiteley decided to grab a camera and start filming what was going on. At the very least Arthur Kane was a unique interesting individual that would make a good subject for a documentary even if the re-union of the Dolls did not happen.
  
  Whitely was absolutely right, his documentary New York Doll, an intimate portrait of Arthur Kane and a brief history of the New York Dolls, does indeed make a fascinating, surprisingly touching and moving documentary.
  
  "Killer' Kane, the statuesque tall bassist for the outrageous New York Dolls a quiet, humble born-again religious librarian?
  
  It's hard to believe that the soft spoken, white shirt and tie wearing, Arthur Kane who we meet riding a series of busses to get to work was once a punk glam boy. It's hard to believe that Morrissey invited the Dolls to re-unite for his 2004 Meltdown Festival in London. We learn that Morrissey was an avid fan and almost an all out groupie of the New York Dolls when he was 13 years old.
  
  It's also hard to believe that the three surviving members of the Dolls mostly in their early 50s would get back together again and be able to create music truly worth listening to without completely embarrassing themselves.
  
  We get a concise history of the Dolls and learn about their influence from Chrissie Hynde, Bob Geldoff, Mick Jones (of the Clash) and Morrissey. The Dolls (and Bowie's Ziggy Stardust band) broke through the formulaic heavy metal (with their ten minute drum solos) and dull progressive rock bands (with their ten minute synthesizer solos). They created some excellent songs (sounding like something Green Day would release today) while wearing platform heels, tight leather pants, huge hair, mascara, lipstick and swatches of material that transformed them into disheveled transvestite hookers.
  
  So did Arthur Kane's dream of a reuniting with David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain actually happen? Was it a huge success, a pleasant bit of nostalgia or an utter embarrassment? Did Arthur say prayers before going on stage? Did he patch up the feud and bitter feelings he had about David?
  
  This is the bitter-sweet story about what happened. Since it is about one of the most outrageous punk rock bands from the 70s, trying to explain this is a `bittersweet' story is an ironic challenge.
  
  This is not a VH1 Behind the Music kind of profile. It is much more than that. It is a tender but honest portrait of an extremely fragile human being--Arthur Kane. Sure I wish we would have heard and seen a bit more music than we do in the movie, but you can buy the albums for that.
  The film will touch you. The story is sad, but strangely uplifting.
  
  
  The film is very short (only 78 minutes) and the DVD has a few extras--like an 8 minute interview with the producer/director and a long interview (part of which is used in the film) with Morrisey. Unfortunately we don't get to see any full length performances of the Dolls--but don't let that stop you for a moment from watching this stranger than fiction documentary.
  
  It is rated PG-13 because of some strong language.
  
  
  

• A Story of a Man at Peace

  
  By A2I64XRNJA440E on 2006-04-12
  Having missed "New York Doll" at the Sundance Film Festival (it was sold-out) and the local theaters (couldn't get the wife to go to a documentary about another "rock 'n' roll casualty"), I was destined to await the release of the DVD. I'm sorry now that I didn't see it sooner.
  
  The story of Arthur "Killer" Kane is typical and atypical. Typical in the sense of the prototypical 1970s rocker, who found fame and near-fortune, only to throw it all away in the name of excess and a larger-than-life ego, leaving him destitute, lonely and in ill-health...even suicidal.
  
  But in a way, Kane's story is atypical. Instead of Kane turning into the next Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin or Pete Ham, he stumbles upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) religion - Arthur would say it was divinely guided - that gives him internal peace and a change of heart. You seem to witness a man now at peace. At peace with his rock 'n' roll past and bitter relationships with his past bandmates. At peace with the denial of fame and fortune. At peace with his current simple lifestyle working at the local LDS Family History Center. At peace with normal people (whose presence he would have distained years earlier). In a way, it seems it took him a lifetime of hell to find heaven. How fitting that he died so poor in a temporal sense, yet so rich in spirit.
  
  The three most poignant moments for me was went former Dolls lead singer, David Johansen makes his 'rock god' entrance into the New York rehearsal studio and to watch Arthur's uncertain face to see how his old friend and rival would react to his presence. When they embrace, you can see the years of distrust and bitterness disappear. The second moment was the discussion between Arthur and David moments before their reunion concert about Mormonism's Word of Wisdom (health code forbidding smoking, drinking and drugs) and adherence to the Ten Commandments. It is humorous, but also enlightening that even David admits (through his own trials) that he has made similar decisions to quit such behavior (all except his addiction to smoking and "one commandment.") The final touching moment was Arthur leading the reunited New York Dolls in a prayer before their concert. I don't think I've ever heard a Christian prayer asking for the Lord's blessing upon a rock concert before, but I honestly believe that God was on the stage that night with Arthur and the rest of the New York Dolls.
  
  What a great movie for all ages, backgrounds and faiths. When Christ spoke of, "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" he was referring to Arthur. May God bless Arthur "Killer" Kane.
  
  
  

• Fantastic Sleeper - Truth better thanFiction

  
  By A2N5BPSTJHNIUA on 2006-03-22
  Finally a movie that is uplifting, entertaining and extremely emotional. It is a journey of a man and of redemption. What a great story. Whether you are a New York Doll fan or not, you will enjoy it.
  
  I wonder if this Director has done any other films...hope so....
  
  

• There Isn't Enough Praise

  
  By AL9HZLZT4X1KL on 2007-04-09
  There is a reason that this movie is getting high praise. It's not the camera work, which is amateurish at best. It's not the careful planning, because if there ever was a case of a filmmaker stumbling on a perfect story, this is it. What makes this film so good is absolute honesty framing a near perfect story.
  
  When I first started this dvd I was leery. It started with this guy, Arthur Kane, a stuttering former musician with a mostly failed life. He had achieved a level of acceptance as a convert to the Mormon Church which led to a simple life. As an employee of the Church at the Family History Center, he was leading a quiet life, a friendly life with people around him who accepted him for being Arthur and had no idea that he'd been the bass guitarist for the New York Dolls, the original glam-rock band. In his music days he was a hard-drinking wild dressing rock star with a penchant for excitement and a taste for the illicit.
  
  As I said, I was leery. As a former Mormon, I was immediately suspect as the filmmaker included interviews with church authorities and Arthur's home teachers (as it turns out, the filmmaker himself was one of Arthur's home teachers, which explains his "right place at the right time" success in making a powerful documentary). Arthur stuttered through his explanations of his previous life and his conversion. He seemed unsure about everything in his life, an unlikely hero in any story much less his own.
  
  But that changed with the revelation that Arthur was to go to a reunion concert in London being organized by Morrisey (formerly of the Smiths, now solo). Then we see Arthur revealing his history and discussing his anxiousness at being reunited with former bandmate and estranged friend David Johansen. Interviews proceed throughout by friends from the seventies, musicians who admired the Dolls and Arthur, and even his ex-wife whom he had beaten with cat furniture in a drunken rage before attempting suicide.
  
  I admit that I got wrapped up in the movie and forgot all my trepidations, left behind with my own anxiety for Arthur "Killer" Kane. He hadn't played guitar in years and even had to borrow money to get his instruments out of perpetual hock at a local pawn shop. Would he be able to get into form, would he still "have it," would the tensions of reuniting be the major story, and would they actually get onto stage in London? All these questions became foremost in my mind, with Arthur's faith and the film making itself forgotten, just part of the scenery as it should be.
  
  I can't really tell you any more, because it'll give away too much of a powerful story. I will say that he led his band-mates in prayer and I actually wanted to say Amen. And, I will say that I had tears in my eyes at the end. I will also say that if it'd been fiction, I'd have been screaming at the screen that it never happens that way in real life.
  
  I'll also say, watch this movie.
  
  - CV Rick
  
  
• Heartfelt and Moving.
  By A22RYCMAWWZCR6 on 2006-03-09
  I saw this movie in a crowded theater in Hollywood. From the looks of the audience, many were expecting a 'rockumentary'. Personally I didn't know what to expect. I just like to see lots of different kinds of movies, especially documentaries.
  
  When the lights came up, there was hardly a dry eye in the house. But we weren't sad. We were smiling through our tears. Everyone around me had been profoundly affected by what we had seen on the screen. That sounds hokey, but I'm serious. No one got up for a while. It was as if we had to allow the impact of this powerful story sink in before we went on with our lives.
  
  It's not about rock and roll, or religion, or groupies, or the price of fame - although it's about all of these things. It's a story of redemption. It's a story about holding onto a dream while everything else falls apart.
  
  This movie is hilarious in parts and completely heartbreaking in others. Other times, it is a compelling backstage look at celebrity life with cameos by some very famous people. New York Doll can't be categorized, except to say "Go See It".
  
  
• Outstanding!
  By A13X6M1CR0VUFP on 2006-03-22
  The movie really shines for a number of reasons: a.) It tells the story of "Killer" Kane...which really hadn't been told before, b.) The production, storyline, and graphics make it easy to follow and bring you into the film, and c.) The testament by so many rock celebrities to this guy (great footage and interviews!)
  
  I saw it at Sundance and walked away very moved from the simple yet powerful story of Arthur and the whole band. The Dolls were/are revolutionary and notorious. But this movie will show you that these guys are real people...great people. And Arthur was a person you really got to know and love.
  
  Contrary to a very small group of critics, there is in no way any proselytizing. The story tells itself. As Lyn Todd said in the film, "I'm always happy when someone finds something they can believe in." - Amen.
  
  Watch this, buy this - it's THAT good!
  
  
• one of my favorite moves ever
  By A33U8BS4PMHE95 on 2006-03-22
  If anyone knows New York City, you know that the two boots cinema is the place to see the coolest movies. i caught Dr. strangelove ther last sunday and am going to see Primer on the big screen next week. It is fitting that this is where New York Dolls played in Manhattan. NY Doll is one of those movies that is destined to be a classic. The main subject of the documentary - Arthur Kane, the bass player for the seminal rock band the New York Dolls - has got to be one of the most watchable people ever put on film. He is just compelling and weird and touching and tragic and inspiring....seriously, you could not make up a guy like Arthur Kane. I'm sure this movie becomes one of those late night weekend cult classics, but the reason I came to Amazon was to order a copy to show my Grandma. That's the crazy thing about this movie: it is about rock and roll and drug/alcohol addiction, and excess and tragedy - but it is a family film. I doubt that there is any swearing in the movie and someone I met outside the theater told me it was a big hit with religious people in Utah - ehich somehow makes it more 'punk' in my mind. killer movie about "killer kane".
  
  
• A glorious portrait
  By A3TWYFWPENC3DU on 2006-04-10
  Even if you have no idea who the New York Dolls were, and even if you dislike rock and roll, NEW YORK DOLL is still a touching and vibrantly alive film. It's a sin this movie came and went in 2005 with little fanfare -- it's easily one of the best of last year.
  
  The few extras are top notch, particularly the stand alone version of the hymn David Johansen sings during the credits. After experiencing the final five minutes of the movie, hearing his rendition of that piece will tingle your spine.
  
  A GREAT documentary.
  
  
• Schlep on a Bass
  By A2TS8YHAGNI3K2 on 2006-07-18
  Any fan of The Dolls would appreciate this affectionate portrait of Killer Kane, someone who despite the rugged reputation found a very un-rock 'n' roll solace in the Morman church. Although addled with the usual had-it-and-lost-it trappings of a rocker down on his luck, or as Kane says of himself, "I've been demoted from rock star to schlep on a bus," the story of Arthur is, ultimately, one of redemption. As we follow Arthur in the heady days leading up to the 2004 Dolls reunion at the Morrissey curated Festival Hall show, you feel the palpable excitement of a man getting another shot at doing God's will.
  
  
• BEST MOVE OF 2005
  By AK5L1VJ709LPO on 2006-04-07
  This is the first movie that I've felt inclined to leave a review for. IT REALLY IS THAT GOOD!! Clean enough to show grandma, yet "cool" enough for my punk friends from my high school band. Inspiring, funny, and touching. The best film I saw all year long. $13 is a steal for this film!! Read the other reviews, I have yet to hear anything bad about this film.
  
  
• One of the Best Films I've Seen
  By A2KIDS5EUWUH9Y on 2006-02-03
  New York Doll is one of the best films I've seen in the past several years. It is compelling, compassionate and spiritual. The story is at the same time inspirational and cautionary. If you can consider this film to be a part of modern Mormon filmmaking, it ranks up there with the very best. I will be glad to have this DVD on my shelf.
  
  
• staggering
  By A19QGWXXR8F1FU on 2006-05-19
  I saw it in the theatre. There were two other people there. One person got up and left mid-way through. Whatta fool I thought to myself. This film was such a moving bio, it took me until the lights came on, the screen went blank and the ushers started cleaning to get up outta my seat and leave. It's a fun, sad, endearing, tragic and truly beautiful human story of Arthur "Killer" Kane, bass player for the ground breaking New York Dolls.
  
  
• Strong
  By A2GHI23IEQN8I0 on 2006-04-14
  I've never written a review for a movie I've seen except for now. This movie has compelled me to write. It's one of those movies that you just can't stop thinking about. I keep playing poignant scenes over in my head. I recommend this movie to everyone. You will come away a better person after watching it.
  
  
• Exceptional story and subject, great access, marred by so-so cinematography and editing
  By AGVWTYW0ULXHT on 2006-05-11
  This film is definitely worth watching for its remarkable story that ties together two American phenomena that are seemingly unreconcilable: Mormonism and New York glam/rock/punk. Arthur "Killer" Kane of the New York Dolls joined the Mormon Church sometime after the band broke up (upon the death of two of its members). He gets the chance to go back, and performs in a remarkable reunion concert organized by Morrissey (of the Smiths, a big fan of the Dolls). Somebody had the foresight to capture this comeback on film, and to document this intriguing life from the perspective both of the fans and friends of the band and from the perspective of the Mormon community he had joined.
  
  What makes the film less stellar than it might be is the amateurish cinematography (nobody told the cameraman that overuse of the "zoom" function tends to be annoying, and mostly dropped out even from the "rockumentary" genre in the 70's), and the ponderous editing. The recording of the few hours before the concert, which should have been filled with tension, excitement and reflection, was a bit ponderous and boring due to the filmmakers' awkward efforts at building an artificial tension -- every 10 minutes it would say "40 minutes before the concert ... 30 minutes before on stage ..." and he would ask Arthur something like "are you nervous" and Arthur would say something like "Not really .." -- the tension and excitement in Arthur that was apparent came out in spite of all this. The unnecessarily prolonged (not because awkward moments should be avoided at all costs but because the filmmakers don't appear to have given careful enough thought to what they wanted to achieve and how best to tell the story they wanted) moments like these tended to undercut the power of a few really interesting scenes like the prayer that Arthur said right before the concert and the reactions of the various crew and band members. While their access to subjects for interviews was remarkable, the filmmakers tended to ask questions that didn't strike me as the most relevant -- and that also betrayed their inexperience with the punk rock/glam rock scene to which the New York Dolls belonged, and suggested they were much more clearly at home in and understanding of the Mormon community. An exceptional scene of the band playing and singing a classic Mormon hymn was saved for halfway through the credits, when it could have instead leant extraordinary impact to the closing moments of the film. These and similar moments betray the inexperience of the filmmakers in ways that detracted from the story for me.
  
  Having said that, I am grateful to the filmmakers for having captured on film a very intriguing story that is well worth telling and that I enjoyed watching. I would rather see an amateurish documentary like this with an intriguing subject than the loads of professionally polished but uninspiring cinema that gets dumped on the cineplexes every week.
  
  
• Poignant Snapshot of Rock and Redemption
  By A2B73CL3QSYWLB on 2006-06-23
  The title of the New York Dolls second album was "Too Much Too Soon". It was a case of life imitating art with bassist Arthur Kane struggling with the pressures of rock 'n' roll mostly through alcohol. After many years of wandering in relative obscurity Kane found inner peace through his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Kane found as much personal satisfaction schlepping on a L.A. bus to his job at the Mormon library than he did pounding the stage with a high profile glam-rock band. Kane never lost the desire to reunite with his former bandmates and entertain the masses. Throughout the history of rock there have many examples of performers attempting to reconcile the profound with the seemingly profane, Elvis and Bob Dylan coming to mind. I can't recall it captured more poignantly or succinctly as in "New York Doll". The events captured in the film would seemingly be the result of divine intervention. Is it mere coincidence that Morrissey happened to be in L.A., where Kane lived in relative obscurity, at the same time both were trying to facilitate a Dolls reunion? I was also touched by the reserved Kane making peace with the extroverted lead singer David Johansen whom he had previously had an uneasy relationship. The tribute to Kane by Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain over the closing credits was also moving. The Dolls were something of a cult band in this country but I don't think that would be a hindrance to those unfamiliar with the principal players to not appreciate what a fine film "New York Doll" is.
  
  
• A Truly Amazing Film
  By A3PZR8OO0XVV9 on 2006-03-09
  I first saw "New York Dolls" at the LA film festival in the directors guild of america theater. The movie revolves around a punk rock bassist from the 70s, Arthur "Killer" Kane to be exact and his band, the "The New York Dolls." If you haven't heard of the Dolls before, then this is a great way to find out just how they helped shape American pop/rock culture.
  
  Even though "Killer" had a good run in the spotlight it would never last as long as he hoped it would. The dreams faded and his mind went on vacation, he was slowly falling down that spiral of stairs he worked so hard to climb. In 1989 he had hit rock bottom by attempting to commit suicide through jumping out a window. He survives and while recovering is introduced to the Mormon religion through advertisement and when he fully recovers, seeks refuge in a LDS church.
  
  I don't want to go over the whole movie but know this; it shows the realities from being on top of the world to holding on to your last knot on the rope. I'm at a loss of words for the rest of the movie, because the film-maker was able to capture just how real and brutal the world can be to someone down for the count. Overall New York Doll continues to be one of the best movies I've seen and will continue to be when it's released to the world on DVD. I simply cannot wait and I believe all Rock fans will derive something from this amazing movie.
  
  
• WAY more than I expected!
  By A20WMJBN1DBRSS on 2006-03-10
  First of all, I thought I had heard of the New York Dolls before I saw this movie, but I had no idea who they were. I certainly didn't realize the impact that they had on popular music. So from that point of view it was interesting to see that glam rock and punk both can trace their lineage directly to 'The Dolls'. It is really amazing how many bands these guys influenced in their short meteoric career.
  
  But that's not the point of this movie. What could have been a compelling 'Behind The Music' episode turned into so much more as the director shot this movie. The filmmakers got lucky - this story about an aging rock star transcends into a tale of humanity right before your eyes.
  
  I don't want to talk about what happens because that would ruin the experience. When the movie started and I met Arthur "Killer" Kane on a Los Angeles city bus, I was oddly intrigued. Kane has a strange, gentle way about him, and a soft spokenness that makes you watch. During that bus ride, Arthur had no idea where his life was about to go, and neither did I.
  
  The great thing about this movie is that you take the journey with Arthur. It's a journey everyone should take.
  
  
• Amazing movie
  By A3VYZACNKAHZT1 on 2006-03-15
  I saw the premiere of the movie in Arizona. It's an amazing story about an even more amazing man. I am also a fan of the Dolls so I loved seeing the old footage and watching them perform again.
  
  
• The Best
  By on 2006-03-21
  This movie is the best movie ever. I've seen it twice and LOVED it!!!!! I'm so gonna buy it on DVD.
  
  
• Great Movie
  By A18C4T1TL9T5Q1 on 2006-04-03
  The most inspiring movie I have seen since seeing Chariots of Fire in 1982.
  
  
• Well worth the wait!
  By A3UFLEA8HJ16RQ on 2006-04-06
  I've waited months to see this film - it never made it to any theater in the South (truly a shame), so I had to wait for the DVD which finally showed up today. I ducked out of work a little early to find out what the articles and message boards have been buzzing about for the past few months.
  
  Wow.
  
  Great movie! I love the Dolls, but Arthur Kane's journey is the real story here. The balance is perfect- just enough background for those who don't know the band, enough for those who don't know the religion, the interpersonal issues, other musicians, etc. The director has painted an objective yet heartfelt picture without overwhelming the viewer in detail.
  As Greg Whiteley says in the bonus interview, "this is not a VH-1 Behind The Music". It's a beautiful film about one man's journey through a not-so-easy life.
  I'm seldom emotionally moved by a film, but New York Doll left me speechless. I plan to buy copies for friends - it would be a shame to miss this one.
  
  
• If You Have A Heart...
  By A1HD3LCMN0RY3K on 2006-04-13
  This is one of the most moving things I have ever watched. It was both sad and beautiful. I am not a fan of The New York Dolls because I really don't know them but this was an incredible story. The interview with Morrissey was a real pleasure.
  
  Watch this...
  
  
• best movie i seen this year
  By A2ELDYOTMPL4FS on 2006-03-11
  i was tryin to see some other movie but it was all sold out and i ended up goin to this movie even if we did'nt no about the new york dolls. man this movie rocked and rolled better than any of the other movies i seen this year even the ones that everybiody saw and said i shoud see. i'm from a small town in oregon and we dont usually get to see anything except the most popular movies but i do'nt no why this was'nt more popular/. this guy Killer Kane had the best life and the worst life and i never seen a movie that made me root for somebody like i was cheering for Killer Kane it was real good and i'm gonna show my friends on dvd.
  
  
• best last year
  By A2DRXAM9FX3UER on 2006-03-11
  just read the reviews. 90% loved it.
  
  http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/new_york_doll/
  
  
• The world needs this movie
  By A21RJIT34DNQR7 on 2006-04-02
  I went to see this movie with my husband, brother-in-law, and 50+ year old father-in-law. It touch everyone in the audience. The world needs this movie.
  
  
• Hauntingly Uplifting
  By AA24MYKV4PH82 on 2006-06-12
  One of the best documentaries I've seen in years. The story is mainly about the reunion of one of the most influental bands of the 70s, The New York Dolls. The base guitarist, Authur "Killer" Kane gets his wish to reunite with his bandmates thirty years after their break-up. Kane is a recovering alcoholic who has recently joined the LDS church. He describes his hopes and fears about the upcoming reunion concert. The movie is chock-full of video and photos of the bands early days. The film also contains great interviews of famous musicians discussing the reunion and the influence of the New York Dolls on the music scene of the early 70s. Kane gets his wish to play again with the surviving Dolls and they surprise and delight many fans.
  
  
• God bless you Arthur.
  By A136U9ZVBAEMES on 2006-08-10
  Just saw this DVD today. I've been a Dolls fan all my life. Though I'm not a Mormon,I have great respect for the church. This a beautiful story about bassist Authur Killer Kane and one of the most underated bands of all time. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
  
  
• You CAN Put Your Arms Around A Memory
  By A3J5UO5QMTFSWB on 2007-01-26
  As the opening scenes of "New York Doll" unfold, we hear the Johnny Thunders-penned classic "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory," in which the lyric cautions: "You can't put your arms around a memory, so don't try." Well, I for one am sure glad the filmmakers didn't give in to that particular notion, because this brisk and uplifting film lovingly puts its arms around the remnants of a once-great band and firmly pulls them into the present, where they are rendered just as glorious as ever (if not moreso).
  
  The film picks up the story of the washed up ex-legend Arthur "Killer" Kane, nearly 30 years removed from his rock n roll glory days. He's seen and survived all kinds of abuse (self-inflicted and otherwise) but now has achieved a modicum of peace as a Mormon Church librarian. But when he receives word that his old band will be reforming for a huge show at London's Royal Albert Hall at rock star Morrissey's bequest, we are able to follow him as he embarks upon a once-in-a-lifetime journey of closure and compassion, living a dream long unfulfilled.
  
  This movie works both as a "rockumentary" for New York Dolls fans (with great archival footage, as grainy as the beer-soaked memories themselves) and as a beautiful (and often funny) human drama of reconciliation and redemption.
  
  For extras, the DVD features a 6-minute interview with the film's likeable director Greg Whiteley (also a Mormon, who met Kane at church), in which he reveals, "What we didn't want to do was make a VH1 Behind the Music...a rockumentary...because we just felt like something else happened here." Mission accomplished, I would say.
  
  Also bonus-featured is an interesting, expanded 18-minute interview with Morrissey, who's always good for a quote or three. He talks about being neighbors with Arthur long before the film was even conceived and having heart to hearts with the man about his sad and embittered life experiences and the "unlucky, blighted and cursed" legacy of the New York Dolls. In addition, he recounts how he was able to convince and cajole both David Johansen (a long-reluctant holdout) and Arthur himself to reunite the New York Dolls for Morrissey's Meltdown festival.
  
  Finally, we get a nice, little two-minute hymn where Johansen (accompanied by Brian Koonin on acoustic guitar) sings "Come, Come Ye Saints" and sounds like a latter day Tom Waits.
  
  All in all, a wonderful DVD. Highly recommended.
  
  
  
• I LOVED IT
  By A1FFPPPIOSI36M on 2007-01-29
  This is a top notch film. It is beautiful, pathetic, sad, uplifting, poignant, and triumphant. If you are reading this then you probably already know about the story of Arthur Kane.
  
  The film is wonderfully done. Music, personality, religion and pathos are all juxtaposed in a very entertaining manner. Arthur Kane is depicted as a sad but very humble and open person.
  
  When the New York Dolls finally play in their reunion show, the film "ping pongs" between an old performance and new performance making you see how the members, especialy Kane, have changed.
  
  The film allows the viewer to learn so much about Kane and develop a caring about him as a person ( as opposed to rock and roll star) that the revelation of his untimely death creates a lot of emotion in the viewer. I cried my eyes out.
  
  A fantastic documentary whether your a fan of the music or not.
  
  

• New York Dolls - All Dolled Up
• Morrisey Presents The Return of The New York Dolls - Live from Royal Albert Hall 2004
• New York Dolls
• One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This
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