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Drama Cult Classic

Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll spiral into violence on LA’s seedy club circuit.

BUMMER

A violent screwed-up world..!

1973 · 1h 30m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

The manager of a rock band fires the drunken, psycho bass player, who goes on a rape and murder spree.

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Quick Answer

What is Bummer about?

Bummer is a 1973 American drama film directed by William Allen Castleman about a small-time rock band whose troubled bass player unleashes chaos after a night of violence.

Programmer's Pick

If you thought the road life of a rock band was all fun and games, Bummer is here to kill the buzz. William Allen Castleman’s drama peels back the sequins to expose a sordid tour packed with violence, naked ambition, and naked everything else. Come for the vintage LA strip clubs, stay for the jaw-dropping band drama.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Bummer follows a hard-partying rock band, 'The Group,' as they tour the early '70s Los Angeles music scene. Picking up groupies along the way, their escapades take a dark turn when the band's hulking, drunken bass player commits sexual assault. Instead of facing the problem, the rest of the band refuses to acknowledge his violent behavior, setting the stage for further tragedy. The film is steeped in the gritty atmosphere of Hollywood and The Valley, complete with strip club performances, a bold lesbian manager, and a candid, pre-glamour portrayal of women. With its raw depiction of sex, drugs, and violence, Bummer is a snapshot of rock’s seamy underbelly at its most unglamorous.

Details & Specs

Director
William Allen Castleman
Writer
Alvin L. Fast
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama

Cast & Crew

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Director: William Allen Castleman Writer: Alvin L. Fast
KW Kipp Whitman Duke Dennis Burkley Dennis Burkley Butts Connie Strickland Connie Strickland Barbara Carol Speed Carol Speed Janyce DL Diane Lee Hart Dolly David Ankrum David Ankrum Mike Leslie McRay Leslie McRay Morrie CR Cecil Reddick Harley Jay Adler Jay Adler Sid Rosen ED Ernie Dominy Barbara's Father JC Janet Comerford Barbara's Mother HC Heather Collins Topless Waitress DB David Buchanan Gary CC Carl Craig Jacques Le Monde

Explore More

Why Cult

Seedy LA Nightlife

Bummer delivers gritty, early '70s shots of Hollywood, The Valley, and the city’s strip club underbelly.

Rock Band Mayhem

The Group’s chaotic tour captures the sex, drugs, and violence of the era’s struggling musicians.

Pre-Glamour Nudity

Features candid, pre-plastic surgery nudity and a frank depiction of groupies and party culture.

Transgressive Characters

A hot lesbian band manager and groupies with edge round out a cast as wild as the plot.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Bummer released? +

Bummer was released in 1973.

Who directed Bummer? +

Bummer was directed by William Allen Castleman.

How long is Bummer? +

Bummer has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is Bummer? +

Bummer is a drama film.

Where can I watch Bummer? +

Bummer is available to watch on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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