Don Letts

Directing

Don Letts

Born 1956-01-10 · London, England, UK

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Don Letts (born 10 January 1956) is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music. Description above from the Wikipedia article Don Letts, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Acting credits

The King of Comedy poster
7.8

Aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin attempts to achieve success in show business by stalking his idol, a late night talk-show host who craves his own privacy.

The King of Comedy

1982

Coping with Cupid poster
7.5

Three blondes from another planet land on earth to conduct research into romantic love

Coping with Cupid

1991

Rebel Dread poster
7.0

Documentary about Don Letts who played a leading role in pop history. Letts injected Afro-Caribbean music into the early punk scene and shot over 300 music videos including for Public Image Ltd. and Bob Marley, but also for teen sensations Musical Youth's reggae smash 'Pass The Dutchie'. Besides his enduring relationship with The Clash, the constant factor in Letts' eventful career as a DJ, manager, film director, musician and radio maker is that, from the 1970s on, he continued to draw attention to cultural issues, as he does today with his radio programme for BBC 6, Culture Clash Radio.

Rebel Dread

2022

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten poster
7.3

As the front man of the Clash from 1977 onwards, Joe Strummer changed people's lives forever. Four years after his death, his influence reaches out around the world, more strongly now than ever before. In "The Future Is Unwritten", from British film director Julien Temple, Joe Strummer is revealed not just as a legend or musician, but as a true communicator of our times. Drawing on both a shared punk history and the close personal friendship which developed over the last years of Joe's life, Julien Temple's film is a celebration of Joe Strummer - before, during and after the Clash.

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten

2007

England 79 poster
NR

"England 79" - 17 scenes from Great Britain the winter of discontent, 1979.

England 79

2019

No artwork available
8.0

Comedy thriller deals with an arranged marriage.

Gummed Labels

1992

1976: Summer of... Heat poster
NR

Documentary looking at the heatwave of 1976. The longest driest spell on record led to drought, water rationing and forest fires. As the country sweltered, tensions rose.

1976: Summer of... Heat

2006

Dreadtown: The Steel Pulse Story poster
NR

They have raged on for forty years, cutting a swath across continents and lighting the fuse of revolutionary thought. From the pressure-cooker ghettos of England to the mighty gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, one band has forged an enduring legacy. This is their story.

Dreadtown: The Steel Pulse Story

Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché poster
6.6

The death of punk icon and X-Ray Spex front-woman Poly Styrene sends her daughter on a journey through her mother's archives in this intimate documentary.

Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché

2021

The Damned: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead poster
7.7

From Lemmy filmmaker Wes Orshoski comes the story of the long-ignored pioneers of punk: The Damned, the first U.K. punks on wax and the first to cross the Atlantic. This authorized film includes appearances from Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jones (The Clash), Lemmy and members of Pink Floyd, Black Flag, GNR, the Sex Pistols, Blondie, Buzzcocks, and more. Shot around the globe over three years, the film charts the band's complex history and infighting, as it celebrated its 35th anniversary and found its estranged former members striking out on their own anniversary tour, while still others battle cancer.

The Damned: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead

2015

The Story of Skinhead poster
8.0

Don Letts examines the history of this notorious subculture in a fascinating documentary, which features interviews with members of different skinhead scenes through the decades. Beginning in the late 1960s, Don fondly recalls a time of multiracial harmony as youngsters bonded over a love of ska, reggae and smart clothes as white working-class kids were attracted to Jamaican culture and adopted its music and fashions. But when far-right politics targeted skinheads in the 1970s and 1980s, an ugly intolerance emerged, and Don reveals how the once-harmonious subgroup has since struggled to shake this stigma.

The Story of Skinhead

2016

My View: Clem Burke poster
8.0

An access all areas documentary with Clem Burke, a look back at 40 years on the road and performing with one of the worlds most iconic bands. Clem Burke is the drummer behind multi-platinum selling band BLONDIE. His signature beats have brought millions to the dance floor and his unique approach to playing has seen him accompany an endless list of artists from Bob Dylan to The Eurythmics. We follow Clem on the road, playing as hard as ever in this access all areas documentary. Feel the energy behind the kit as Clem plays with Blondie at Hyde park to 80,000 people and witness his tireless work ethic at The Cavern Club for Beatles week, where he plays 5 gigs in 24 hrs. Exclusive interviews from Dave Stewart, Chris Stein, Hugh Cornwall, Glen Matlock, Bob Gruen and many more put the spotlight on one of rock 'n' rolls most enigmatic unsung heroes - Clem Burke the Doctor of Rock.

My View: Clem Burke

2019

Rock Milestones: The Clash Years poster
10.0

Critical review of the English punk rock band's 1979 album, 'London Calling'. The program features input from industry experts, including film director and DJ Don Letts, rare performance footage and clips from songs such as 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go', 'White Riot' and 'London Calling'.

Rock Milestones: The Clash Years

2006

The Punk Rock Movie poster
6.5

Documentary on the London punk-rock scene, circa '78

The Punk Rock Movie

1978

Sinéad poster
8.0

With contributions from David Holmes, Christy Moore, Imelda May, Don Letts, BP Fallon and more, this documentary reflects on Sineád O’Connor’s influence on Irish life and people. Five months after her shocking passing, SINÉAD revisits the late singer’s tumultuous life and the film is both a deeply sad and celebratory tribute. Drawn together from RTÉ’s own expansive archive of her TV appearances and footage from around the world, it is an absorbing take on a story that many of us already know very well. However, looking back now after her death, the film pulls into sharp focus just how brave and defiant Sinéad really was.

Sinéad

2024

Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers poster
7.7

Documentary about reggae music and culture in London in 1977. Filmed in Super 8 camera by Don Letts. With participation of Richard Branson, Neneh Cherry, Paul Cook, Sly Dunbar, Paul Weller, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, Siouxsie Sioux, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and others. Released in 2017.

Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers

2017

Evidently... John Cooper Clarke poster
9.0

A look at the life of John Cooper Clarke. From his rise as a 'punk poet', through his heroin addiction, and finally to his comeback.

Evidently... John Cooper Clarke

2012

Sounds Like the 80s poster
NR

Ken Bruce celebrates the sound of the 1980s, as icons from the British music scene pick their favourite tracks that defined a generation, to create their ultimate mixtape.

Sounds Like the 80s

2023

BAD I+II poster
8.0

A collection of music videos by Big Audio Dynamite. Featuring videos for The Bottom Line, E=MC^2, Medicine Show, C'mon Every Beatbox, V-Thirteen, Sightsee M.C!, Just Play Music, James Brown, Contact, Rush, and The Globe.

BAD I+II

1992

No artwork available
NR

Short documentary about the beginnings of punk in Great Britain. Don Letts, Caroline Coon, Jon Savage and Viv Albertine - all themselves connected to this scene - recount their experiences and memories from that time. In addition, original recordings and short concert excerpts document the feeling, fashion and circumstances of the youth of the time.

Punk rule O.K.

1996

Who Killed Nancy? poster
5.0

On October 12th, 1978, New York Police discovered the lifeless body of a young woman, slumped under the bathroom sink in a hotel room. She was Nancy Spungen, an ex-prostitute, sometimes stripper, heroin addict, and girlfriend of Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious.

Who Killed Nancy?

2009

When Blondie Came to Britain poster
7.0

The story of Britain’s long relationship with Blondie - the part it played in helping the band to international success and the impact the band had on British fans and musicians.

When Blondie Came to Britain

2023

Midnight Breaks poster
8.0

When sweet-voiced Cassie of unsigned reggae act Midnight is offered a lucrative deal to join successful group Breaks by record company rep Billy, her band mate boyfriend Tyron is none too pleased.

Midnight Breaks

1990

Here to be Heard: The Story of The Slits poster
6.4

The tale of the formation, journey and end of the seminal Punk/Reggae band The Slits.

Here to be Heard: The Story of The Slits

2018

Behind the camera

No artwork available
NR

No synopsis available yet.

Carnival!

2009

One Love poster
5.4

Kassa a free-wheelin rasta man, falls for a straight laced gospel singer Serena, when they both meet as they enter a music contest. Serena's father the pastor forbids her to see him and wants her to marry one of his church members. Meanwhile the record boss organizing the contest, tries to get Kassa's band to sign to his label on his terms not theirs. By using heavy tactics, he pushes the band to fight back.

One Love

2003

No artwork available
NR

From Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones, Elvis to Madonna, John Lennon to Johnny Rotten, Bob Gruen has captured half a century of music through the eye of a lens. In this landmark documentary series, award-winning filmmaker Don Letts reveals the stories behind some of the most famous rock 'n' roll photographs of all time.

Rock 'N' Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen

2013

The Story of Skinhead poster
8.0

Don Letts examines the history of this notorious subculture in a fascinating documentary, which features interviews with members of different skinhead scenes through the decades. Beginning in the late 1960s, Don fondly recalls a time of multiracial harmony as youngsters bonded over a love of ska, reggae and smart clothes as white working-class kids were attracted to Jamaican culture and adopted its music and fashions. But when far-right politics targeted skinheads in the 1970s and 1980s, an ugly intolerance emerged, and Don reveals how the once-harmonious subgroup has since struggled to shake this stigma.

The Story of Skinhead

2016

George Clinton: Tales of Dr Funkenstein poster
7.5

Don Letts's hilarious and colourful profile of the godfather of funk, whose 50-year career has defined the genre. From his 1950s days running a doo-wop group out of the back of his barber store, through the madness of the monster Parliament/Funkadelic machine of the 70s to his late 90s hip-hop collaborations with Dre and Snoop, George Clinton has inspired generations of imitators. Contributors include Outkast's Andre 3000 and Macy Gray.

George Clinton: Tales of Dr Funkenstein

2006

The Punk Rock Movie poster
6.5

Documentary on the London punk-rock scene, circa '78

The Punk Rock Movie

1978

Punk: Attitude poster
7.1

From London's 1970 mod scene to Sonic Youth, punk music has always been about attitude and anarchy. This comprehensive rockumentary traces the roots of punk, from The Velvet Underground and the New York Dolls to the Sex Pistols and The Clash.

Punk: Attitude

2005

Punk: Attitude poster
7.1

From London's 1970 mod scene to Sonic Youth, punk music has always been about attitude and anarchy. This comprehensive rockumentary traces the roots of punk, from The Velvet Underground and the New York Dolls to the Sex Pistols and The Clash.

Punk: Attitude

2005

Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers poster
7.7

Documentary about reggae music and culture in London in 1977. Filmed in Super 8 camera by Don Letts. With participation of Richard Branson, Neneh Cherry, Paul Cook, Sly Dunbar, Paul Weller, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, Siouxsie Sioux, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and others. Released in 2017.

Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers

2017

BAD I+II poster
8.0

A collection of music videos by Big Audio Dynamite. Featuring videos for The Bottom Line, E=MC^2, Medicine Show, C'mon Every Beatbox, V-Thirteen, Sightsee M.C!, Just Play Music, James Brown, Contact, Rush, and The Globe.

BAD I+II

1992

Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised poster
NR

Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most influential musicians and poets of the last 50 years. In Don Letts's documentary, Gil tells his own story for the first time-from being one of the first black children to integrate an all white Southern state school to becoming the Godfather of Rap. There are contributions from Chuck D, Mos Def, Richi Havens and the Last Poets, among others. Filmed in October 2003, Gil performs live and recites poetry out on the streets of Harlem, which have inspired so much of his music.

Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

2003

Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised poster
NR

Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most influential musicians and poets of the last 50 years. In Don Letts's documentary, Gil tells his own story for the first time-from being one of the first black children to integrate an all white Southern state school to becoming the Godfather of Rap. There are contributions from Chuck D, Mos Def, Richi Havens and the Last Poets, among others. Filmed in October 2003, Gil performs live and recites poetry out on the streets of Harlem, which have inspired so much of his music.

Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

2003

Dancehall Queen poster
6.7

Marcia has a tough life in Kingston, Jamaica, where she's the sole provider for her teenage daughter. Her business as a street vendor is threatened by thug Priest, and Marcia makes matters worse when she accepts money from Larry, who has eyes for her daughter. To get out of her problems, Marcia devises a plan that involves entering a dance contest in disguise, winning the top prize and pitting both men against each other.

Dancehall Queen

1997

Dancehall Queen poster
6.7

Marcia has a tough life in Kingston, Jamaica, where she's the sole provider for her teenage daughter. Her business as a street vendor is threatened by thug Priest, and Marcia makes matters worse when she accepts money from Larry, who has eyes for her daughter. To get out of her problems, Marcia devises a plan that involves entering a dance contest in disguise, winning the top prize and pitting both men against each other.

Dancehall Queen

1997

The Clash: Live (Revolution Rock) poster
7.9

THE CLASH LIVE: REVOLUTION ROCK is an exciting new documentary film directed by long-time Clash collaborator and Grammy-winning producer Don Letts (Westway To The World) that chronicles the electric live performances of one of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK. The film follows the live transformation of the band, incorporating footage from all phases of the Clash's meteoric career, beginning with live-in-the-studio clips and climaxing with a blow-out performance at New York's Shea Stadium in 1982. With rare and previously unreleased footage from all over the world, this film documents the history of the band by showcasing their incredible live performances, and will be a draw for both the new fan and their established passionate followers.

The Clash: Live (Revolution Rock)

2008

The Clash: Westway To The World poster
6.8

A 2000 documentary film about the British punk rock band The Clash. In 2003 it won the Grammy Awards for the best long form music video. Directed by Don Letts, the film combines old footage from the band's personal collection filmed in 1982 when The Clash went to New York with new interviews conducted for the film by Mal Peachey of members Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, and Joe Strummer and other people associated with the group.

The Clash: Westway To The World

1999

The Clash : The Essential Clash poster
8.1

Formed in 1976, The Clash embodied passion, idealism and political social zeal. Blending rock, reggae, hip-hop and funk, they were the cutting edge of the punk scene. This disc, an essential primer for fans of the influential group, includes tracks such as "White Riot," "Complete Control," "Tommy Gun," "Clampdown" and much more. Also includes a "Clash on Broadway" theatrical trailer and the group's never-before-seen home movie, "Hell W10."

The Clash : The Essential Clash

2003

No artwork available
8.0

Sun Ra was born on the planet Saturn some time ago. The best accounts agree that he emerged on Earth as Herman Blount, born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914, although Sun Ra himself always denied that Blount was his surname. He returned to Saturn in 1993 after creating a stunningly variegated and beautiful assemblage of earthly and interplanetary music, most notably with his fervently loyal Arkestra. Sun Ra and his Arkestra were the subject of a few documentary films, notably Robert Mugge’s ‘A Joyful Noise’ (1980), which interspersed performances and rehearsals with Sun Ra’s commentary on various subjects ranging from today’s youth to his own place in the cosmos. This documentary reuses some of Mugge’s material and includes some additional interviews.

Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet

2005

The Clash On Broadway poster
NR

Aborted film project begun by Don Letts and The Clash. The intent of the film was to document the events and performances centering around the band's historic seventeen consecutive shows at Bond's International, a club located in Time's Square, NYC, extending from May 28-June 13, 1981. Footage included Topper Headon strolling around NYC at night & being interviewed while riding in a taxi, the group sitting on a rooftop watching a group of young black kids rap and breakdance, the graffitti artist Futura plying his trade, the backstage scene, and stellar perfomances from the Bond's shows.

The Clash On Broadway

1981

The Clash: The Last Testament - The Making of London Calling poster
7.0

The documentary tells the story of the making of The Clash's 'London Calling' album and included in a special 25th Anniversary edition re-release of the original album. Directed by Don Letts and including interviews with Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon and othey key figures, this also includes previously unreleased home footage of The Clash recording London Calling in Wessex Studios.

The Clash: The Last Testament - The Making of London Calling

2004

Public Image Ltd. : Videos poster
NR

Public Image Ltd. promo VHS video compilation 1978-86. Includes Rise, Public Image, Death Disco, This is Not a Love Song, Bad Life, Home

Public Image Ltd. : Videos

1986

The Jam: The Making of All Mod Cons poster
4.5

The Making Of All Mod Cons has been personally overseen by Paul Weller, Rick Buckler & Bruce Foxton and the film features exclusive new interviews with all three band members. The 40-minute film also includes promo clips, previously-unseen live footage of The Jam at The Roxy Club and an exclusive solo acoustic rendition of English Rose by Paul Weller at his rehearsal studio.

The Jam: The Making of All Mod Cons

2006

Strummerville poster
NR

A documentary on the family members and friends who set up a charity, Stummerville, after musician Joe Strummer's death in 2002.

Strummerville

In Those Days poster
NR

In Those Days explores the experiences of the first wave of Afro-Caribbean immigrants who arrived in the UK to fill the labour shortage in Britain’s battered post-war economy. Charting their memories of home, their arrival in the UK and the lives they built here, In Those Days is a testament to the Windrush generation – told in their own words.

In Those Days

2025