A Doll's Descent


I’ve just seen the most touching documentary by Director Greg Whiteley on New York Dolls founder and bassist Arthur “Killer” Kane, his post-celeb descent into poverty, attempted suicide, and Mormonism, then subsequent reunion with bandmates David Johansson and Sylvain Sylvain. Though woefully lacking in actual concert footage (a rights issue, I’m guessing), New York Doll more than makes up for it with its charting (literally) Kane’s route from the Latter Day Saints short-sleeves-and-tie, surrounded by cooing geriatric library co-workers, to full-out Seinfeld puffy shirt, surrounded by cooing young European groupies. And back again. The actual Kane/Johansson reunion moment is one of true film magic, proving brothers estranged are still brothers.

It’s a 2005 film, but though I live in the land of the limited release, I’d not heard of it. Check
here to see when the doc-lovin’ Sundance Channel is airing it in your region. And don’t blink, or you’ll miss Killer's role as the unnamed “plane passenger” in the 1987 Dennis Quaid / Martin Short slapstickfest, Innerspace. Especially if you blinked the first time.

WARNING: Contains Morrissey.

A particularly adorable clip. Explaining Rock & Roll bass to Mormon librarians.
A slightly less adorable clip. Explaining tithing to Johannson.
Now playing in my head: New York Dolls – “Trash”

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