Boyce & Hart: The Guys Who Wrote 'Em (2015)

he remarkable story of the 1960's duo Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart who created the sound of The Monkees, scored hit after hit and inspired a youth movement to lower the voting age. They were actors, activists, singers, songwriters and pop culture icons. The story of their unique partnership is told through their own movies, photographs and personal archives. Narrated by Bobby Hart and featuring commentary from Tommy Boyce, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Kim Fowley and others.

Film Overview
"Boyce & Hart: The Guys Who Wrote 'Em" (2015) is an enthusiastic documentary chronicling the lives and professions of 2 legendary American songwriters, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Directed by Rachel Lichtman, the movie provides an insightful check out the duo's considerable influence in the pop music market of the 1960s. Boyce and Hart are best remembered as the primary songwriters for the Monkees, a popular band of the era. The movie utilizes a combination of individual interviews, archival video, and the duo's renowned music to craft an engaging narrative about these unsung heroes of pop music.

Their Journey
The documentary starts with Boyce and Hart's humble beginnings as ambitious musicians. A substantial part of the movie early on explores their early battles to establish themselves in the cutthroat music market. Their break came when they began writing tunes for the Monkees, a move that catapulted them to fame. Nevertheless, despite their successes, they are unsung heroes of the music market, eclipsed by the popular band for which they composed their tunes.

Their Impact
Boyce & Hart left an enduring mark in the music industry, penning the majority of the Monkees' hits, including "Last Train to Clarksville", "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone", and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone". Their signature blend of intense, catchy melodies, laced with a layer of thought-provoking lyrics, contributed to the Monkees' wild success this age. Furthermore, Boyce and Hart had several hits in their own right as a recording duo, such as "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight", and "Out and About", further highlighting their substantial influence in the music world.

Obstacles and Downfall
The documentary likewise lays bare the difficulties dealt with by the duo in a market that typically prioritizes stated value over actual skill. Despite their sensational success behind the scenes, they struggled to step out of the Monkees' shadows and dealt with considerable challenges in establishing their identity as artists in their own right. In addition, Boyce and Hart's relationship was tested by egos, imaginative differences, and the pressures of the music industry, culminating in their ultimate breakup.

Legacy

"Boyce & Hart: The Guys Who Wrote 'Em" highlights how these two individuals substantially influenced the popular song industry, setting a high bar for future songwriters and artists. The movie poignantly resolves their tradition, depicting them as a team that integrated the creative lyrics of Hart with the energetic music of Boyce to provide the world an array of ageless pop classics. In spite of their personal disputes and expert challenges, they are revered for their contributions to music history.

Ending Note
The movie concludes with a touching tribute to both Boyce and Hart, who passed away in 1994 and 2019, respectively. The homage acknowledges their contributions while emphasizing the persistent lack of acknowledgment they got, a point that resonates long after the documentary's end. "Boyce & Hart: The Guys Who Wrote 'Em" functions as a homage, giving these behind-the-scenes geniuses the spotlight they was worthy of, ensuring their stories aren't lost in the annals of pop music history.

Top Cast

  • Michael Nesmith (small)
    Michael Nesmith
  • Micky Dolenz (small)
    Micky Dolenz
  • Peter Tork (small)
    Peter Tork
  • Keith Allison
  • Bobby Hart
    Hart
  • Kim Fowley
  • Tommy Boyce
    Boyce