Mods: Style, Music & 60s Culture | Radio Times
Director Franc Roddam takes us back to teh making of Quadrophenia, the iconic mod film, revealing its gritty authenticity and lingering cultural impact. News Directory 3’s piece digs into Roddam’s memories, from casting real mods to inject realism into the Brighton riot scenes, to addressing a claim surrounding a sensitive cut from a scene. Explore the film’s enduring influence on art and the mod subculture. Discover what’s next as we celebrate the film’s legacy!
‘Quadrophenia’ Director Recalls Making the Iconic Mod Film
Updated June 20, 2025
Franc Roddam, now 79, remembers directing the film adaptation of “Quadrophenia,” and how alleyways became romantic spots for young people. He noted with amusement the presence of a blue plaque in “Quadrophenia Alley,” a testament to the film’s lasting impact.
“Quadrophenia,” known for its raw authenticity, captured the mod subculture of the 1960s. Roddam achieved this, in part, by enlisting actual mods from northern England to participate in the riot scenes in Brighton. He admitted to encouraging them to clash with the extras, which gave the film its visceral energy.
The film featured a young cast,including Ray Winstone,Timothy Spall,Phil Davis,Toyah willcox,and Sting,combined with soul and rhythm and blues tracks,such as The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie.”
In 2019, Trevor Laird, who played Ferdy, claimed he was told he couldn’t be seen kissing a white girl in a party scene due to his race.Roddam said he does not recall such a restriction. He said he never consciously cut anything out of the film.
Quadrophenia Alley is Lourdes for Mods
The cultural importance of ”Quadrophenia” endures, inspiring projects such as ”We Were the mods” and a collaboration with Sadler’s Wells on “Quadrophenia, a mod ballet.”
Roddam recounted visiting Quadrophenia Alley in Brighton and observing the graffiti. He said it has become a pilgrimage site for mods. He added that he wants his work to make an impression, and “Quadrophenia” did. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of remembering Pete Townshend’s original vision.