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(KSL News) A small film made by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is getting rave reviews from critics nationwide, and it opens in Salt Lake, today. This isn't your typical Mormon cinema.
The documentary "New York Doll" is directed by BYU grad student Greg Whitely. It's about the life of a member of a quasi-successful punk rock band known for it's raunchy lyrics.
When the band, the New York Dolls broke apart, the life of bass player Arthur "killer" Kane, fell apart, too. He went from riding in limosuines to waiting at city bus stops.
Arthur "Killer" Kane, New York Dolls: "To having that and then losing that.. we'd lost the New York Dolls a few years into the whole thing."
Divorced, penniless, and an alcoholic, one day Arthur Kane saw an ad for the Book of Mormon. Eventually he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and got a job at the Church's family history library in Los Angeles.
While adjusting to his new life, Kane was invited to play at a New York Dolls reunion concert in London. Still dreaming of becoming a star, but nervous about revisiting his past, Kane heads to the U.K.
Without giving away the ending, critics have called the film inspirational.
Greg Whitely, Director, New York Doll: "People seem to like this film." "The reaction we got at Sundance, in New York and L.A., people seem to be really touched by the film."
The film premiered in L.A. and New York last week and did well. If enough interest is generated in Salt Lake this weekend, distributors plan to release the film in more locations nationwide. For now, it's playing at the Broadway Center.
On Monday, we'll tell you about the film's turnout, and talk more with director Greg Whitely.
