TELSTAR is the stranger-than-fiction true story of legendary independent record producer Joe Meek. A maverick musical genius, Meek enjoyed phenomenal early success with Telstar – the biggest selling record of its time and the first Brit band single to top the US charts. Named after the first communications satellite which launched in 1962, the unique instrumental single was released later that same year, becoming a number one hit on both sides of the Atlantic for Meek’s band The Tornados. From a flat on the Holloway Road, Meek went on to create the strange and wonderful recordings that have made him an iconic figure in the world of British pop, until depression, heartbreak and paranoia ultimately led to his dramatic downfall.
Set in the London music scene of the early 1960s, the film boasts an eclectic cast including Kevin Spacey, Ralf Little, James Corden, Pam Ferris and JJ Feild alongside a tour-de-force from Con O’Neill in the lead role. They are joined by a host of musicians who appear in cameo roles, including ex-Libertine Carl Barât and former front-man of The Darkness, Justin Hawkins. A number of real-life 60s rockers who once recorded with Meek including Clem Cattini,Jess Conrad, John Leyton and Chas Hodges appear in cameo roles and are themselves portrayed on screen by James Corden, Nigel Harman, Callum Dixon and Ralf Little.
Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) makes his directorial feature debut with TELSTAR for which he also penned the original screenplay with James Hicks. TELSTAR is financed and produced by Simon Jordan following his 2005 production of the West End stage version, for which leading man Con O’Neill was nominated for an Olivier Award. TELSTAR features an outstanding period soundtrack including a specially commissioned cover by Duffy of The Cryin’ Shames ‘Please Stay’. Click on the link above for the trailer.
