Watch Tonite Let's All Make Love in London

Tonite Let's All Make Love in London is a 1967 documentary-style film directed by Peter Whitehead, with a running time of 70 minutes. It captures the spirit of London's counterculture in the late 1960s and features live footage of music performances by some of the top musicians of the era, including Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Burdon.

The film starts with a montage of shots of London's bustling streets and its people going about their day. Soon after, we are introduced to a group of young people, living their lives to the fullest, with the vibrant city as their backdrop. As the title suggests, the film hints at a sexual revolution that was brewing in London at the time.

We see footages of various events and gatherings, including a Rolling Stones concert at the Alexandra Palace where Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the band, is seen performing onstage wearing a leafy garland on his head. We also see Pink Floyd performing their classic songs "Interstellar Overdrive" and "Nick's Boogie" in a small club to a visibly mesmerized audience. The camera captures the raw energy of their performances and the enthusiasm of the audience, transporting us straight to the heart of the Swinging Sixties.

In another part of the film, we see Eric Burdon of the Animals, who performs "When I Was Young", a song about youthful idealism and activism, at a local bookstore to an intimate crowd. His performance is juxtaposed with footage of a peaceful anti-Vietnam War protest, showing stark contrast between the counterculture values of the youth and the establishment's views.

A recurring theme in the film is the idea of the 'happening', a term coined by the performance artist Allan Kaprow. 'Happenings' were performances or events that took place in the public space, typically featuring elements of spontaneity and improvisation. Whitehead captures this spirit in the film, filming one such happening where people dressed in wacky costumes roam around the city. It's a joyous celebration of the creative spirit and an ode to the non-conformist lifestyle of the youth.

The film also takes a closer look at the sexual liberation movement of the era. We see people embracing their sexualities and breaking free from the societal norms that had restricted them. The camera zooms in on the faces of people in the audience, kissing and hugging in public spaces, a sight that was considered taboo at the time. The film, through these images, manages to capture the zeitgeist of the era, an era characterized by a youthful exuberance, experimentation, and questioning of norms.

Tonite Let's All Make Love in London is not just a film, but a time capsule. It beautifully captures the evolution of London's counterculture and showcases the music and the events that defined it. Whitehead's direction is sharp, and the editing is crisp, adding to the electric energy that the film exudes. The film is a perfect blend of live performances, interviews, and street footage, making it an immersive experience.

In conclusion, Tonite Let's All Make Love in London is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of London's counterculture. The film's relevance still holds true today, as we continue to question societal norms and strive for a world that celebrates individuality and creativity. The film is an ode to the human spirit and its capacity for joy, freedom, and expression.