Head

1968 Columbia. 86m.

Cast

Producer/Screenwriter: Bob Rafelson, Jack Nicholson
Director: Bob Rafelson

From "The Psychotronic Encyclopedia of Film":

The Monkees Show ended in '68. Micky, Davey, Mike and Peter really had nothing to lose by debunking their image in this major-company pseudo-underground plotless musical. Jack Nicholson, who hadn't even been in Easy Rider yet, co-wrote and produced with newcomer Rafelson. It's spotty, but there are some inspired moments, some great photography, really odd guest stars,a nd some of the Monkees' best songs. It's all very anti-establishment and drug-tinged. The irrelevant group sprinkle dandruff on Victor Mature's head in one of the best scenes. Watch for Annette Funichello as Minnie, Frank Zappa (with a bull), Sonny Liston, Carol Doda (as Sally Silicone), T.C. Jones (as Mr and Mrs. Ace), Abraham Sofaer, Teri Garr, and Tor Johnson. Old film clips feature Reagan, Lugosi (in The Black Cat), Ann Miller, and Charles Laughton. It did nothing to help the Monkees' quickly sinking career. Watch it and look for the soundtrack album (with the mirror cover).

From "Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide":

***. Far-out film debut for TV rock group was written (or concocted) by Rafelson and Nicholson before they made the big splash with Five Easy Pieces; this overlooked item is a delightful explosion of crazy ideas with no coherent plot, many old film clips, some good songs, and such unlikely guest stars as Sonny Litson and Victor Mature. Well worth seeing.