Variety calls the documentary about forgotten ’70s/’80s singer songwriter Dennis Lambert, “Of All The Things,”a thoroughly engaging doc with enough appeal to reach beyond its presumptive target aud of nostalgic baby boomers… an affectionate portrait of a beloved parent and a celebration of contributions by an unsung hero of pop culture.”
Lambert had a successful run of hits during the ’70s, where he and songwriting-partner Brian Potter helmed hit records for the Four Tops, Dusty Springfield, and Glen Campbell, among others. Then he music activity tailed off in the ’80s to he got into real estate. That is until a huge Fillipino following brought him back. The doc is directed by Lambert’s son, Jody.
Synopsis: The most unlikely comeback of the year. Dennis Lambert was one of the most successful and diverse songwriter/producers of the ’70s and ’80s, with hits like ‘Ain’t No Woman Like The One I’ve Got’, ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, “Don’t Pull Your Love”, ‘Baby Come Back’ and ‘Nightshift’. Today, he’s a 60-year-old family man selling real estate in Florida. But it turns out his obscure 1972 solo album is huge in the Philippines. A Filipino concert promoter has been begging Dennis to tour for decades, and in 2007 he finally agreed. ‘Of All The Things’ is a hilarious and touching pop/rock/country/R&B documentary that follows Dennis on his whirlwind tour as he rediscovers his passion for music — a two week adventure that takes him from the comforts of Boca Raton to a sold-out show at Manila’s famous Araneta Coliseum for thousands of fans he never knew he had. Some lives deserve an encore.
Lambert will play a one-night show at Joe’s Pub in New York, this Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. The film will make its NY debut at the IFC Stranger Than Fiction series on Tuesday, October 14. The film first debuted at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year to solid reviews.
Watch: Dennis Lambert – “Don’t Look Any Further” with Siedah Garrett