Mormon Bloggers

I have heard about this documentary called “New York Doll” for quite some time now.  All I knew is that it was about a rock star who was LDS and that is had a lot of Morrissey.  It contained two of my favorite things, so it’s surprising that it took me this long to watch it.  I almost bought it, but decided I better save my money.  After it remained on my Netflix queue for a couple months and movies were bumped to the top for my kids multiple times, I finally decided it was time to watch this movie.

I loved it.

For those who don’t want any spoilers, to put it simply, this movie is about a man named Arthur Kane who was in an obscure rock band called “New York Dolls”.  It had a lot of potential to make it big, but was plagued by problems with booze, drugs, and death (caused by drugs and booze).  After hitting rock bottom, Arthur was led to the Mormon Church and converted, but he still lived with this sadness that he didn’t find the success he wanted, although many musicians acknowledged how influential his band was during the short time they were together.

After many years of talking about those days, hoping for his band to get back together, a popular singer named Morrissey (also the lead singer of “The Smiths”) presented the opportunity for a reunion in London.  It is fascinating seeing the way Arthur’s life was transformed and the lessons he learned, but I had no idea it would end the way it did. 

If you haven’t seen this film, I highly recommend it.  Now for some spoilers.

*SPOILER ALERT*

If you don’t like spoilers, don’t read on.  I just have to express what I loved most about “New York Doll”.

Arthur lived penniless because he was disabled as a result of jumping out a third story window and when he had the chance to play with his band again, ward members helped him get his guitar out of the pawn shop so he could practice until the big day.  Everyone who knew him was aware within a few minutes that he used to be a rock star and it was so entertaining watching the interviews of the women he worked with in the Family History Library.  I also enjoyed the contrast between the rock stars interviewed and Arthur’s current and former bishops.

One of the things he anticipated the most was being with lead singer, David Johannsen again.  No one came right out and said that Arthur was jealous of David’s success as he continued with a career in music, most notably as “Buster Pointdexter”, but it seemed quite clear that he was.  It was hard for him struggling so hard financially, never having made money off of his time in the band, and seeing other bands who mimicked them make millions.  Once they were reunited, he quickly realized that any hard feelings were one sided and it was a happy moment.

It was a crack-up as David talked to him a bit about the church, ribbing him about his beliefs, but Arthur had no problem standing firm.  Everyone actually seemed to approve of his membership in the church and applauded after he gave a lovely prayer before their performance.  They played well and Arthur looked at home on stage.

As I watched this, I worried that he would sink into a deep depression after returning home.  He would be back to his normal life of being a “schlepp on the bus” as he said, but he seemed happy to go back to his calling at the Family History Library.  He then treated us to a rendition of “Love One Another” on the harmonica, which was more beautiful than I would imagine.  I hoped Arthur would be content and find a way to be successful the remainder of his life.

It turned out, he would only live another 22 days after the show, dying two hours after being diagnosed with leukemia.  That left me wondering if there was some divine intervention leading to the fulfillment of his dream that came just in time.  And as Morrissey put it, “It was a beautiful way to go.”  I have to agree.

So I watched it a second time, this time knowing that while Arthur was traveling and playing on stage, he was dying of cancer.  I am amazed he had the strength.

What I learned from this film:  Anyone can be a Mormon and God truly is mindful of all of His children and their desires. 

This movie is enjoyable from the beginning all the way to the special treat during the closing credits, which you don’t want to miss.  Make sure you check out the extra features too.