Quadrophenia (1979)

Jimmy loathes his job and parents. He seeks solace with his mod clique, scooter riding and drugs, only to be disappointed.

From memory: Although a drama set in the early '60s (and made with good period details), this semi-musical is presented with as much verve and anarchic energy generating a punk appeal for the time of its production.

Halliwell (no star): "What passed for a successful musical at the end of the seventies is typified by this violent, screaming and wholly unattractive amalgam of noise, violence, sex and profanity."

Maltin***1/2: "Superior mixture of early '60s "Angry Young Man" drama and rock movie...A real sleeper...Sting makes an impressive acting debut."

Scum (1979)

Story of life in a British juvenile offender institution in the 70's.

Realistic, unvarnished look at a penitentiary for juvenile delinquents was, at the time, meant to be a specific political indictment, but its message is still valid and timeless.

Halliwell*: "Gorily overstated view of boys' prison life from the inside, with the camera gloating over each violent close-up."

Maltin**1/2: "Harrowing but familiar; the accents are almost unintelligible."