If you grew up in the 70s then you were there to witness the
beginnings of the punk rock movement. On the edge of that was a group known as
the New York Dolls. Fronted by David Johansen with Johnny Thunder on lead
guitar the group was known as rockers but that edge was always there in sight.
Arguments between Johansen and Thunders led to the breakup of the group.
Johansen went on to perform as Buster Poindexter and Thunders went out on his
own with his band the Heartbreakers before attempting a solo career.
ROOM 37 revolves around the last few days of Thunders life.
Recovering from addiction to heroin he’s retreated to a room in St. Peter’s
Guest House Hotel in New Orleans in an attempt to clean up his life. With a
case full of money, a supply of methadone and his guitar he either sits in the
room or wanders the streets soaking up the music.
One night he runs into an old friend and they discuss what’s
gone on in his life. Separated from his wife Thunders wants to clean himself up
so he can see his daughter again. The friend convinces him to take stage for
one song but in the middle Thunders has an attack and falls from the stage.
Returning to his room he’s attacked and wakes to find his money and his
methadone gone.
From here he launches into an attack of the hotel owner who
tells him the place is not responsible for the security of items left in the
room. With little help from them he heads out to attempt to track down his
missing meds and money. This leads him on a journey into darkness and one
filled with violent characters who could care less about his celebrity status.
The end result is known to fans. The death of Thunders in
this hotel has been fueled with rumors and stories for years now. What exactly
happened in unsure. Some say he died of an overdose while others claim he was a
victim of foul play. No one knows for sure. This film attempts to present its
own version of what went down.
The movie is an interesting film that keeps you watching
from start to finish. Well-made and directed the main focus of the film is
Thunders as portrayed by Leo Ramsey. If that performance failed nothing would
make it worthwhile. But Ramsey brings the man to life from his moods to
appearance to style of walking to dealing with the demons that led to his
death. That’s an accomplishment in itself and helps the film.
Fans of music and rock in particular will want to give this
one a watch. It might make you break out those old New York Dolls LPs and give
them a listen once again. In any event it will have you wondering what really
took place in New Orleans in Room 37. Who really knows for sure?
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