The documentary filmmakers, the Maysles brothers, have recorded the events prior to, during and after the festival with a chilling sense of drama.

It's knowing about the killing, and waiting for it to happen on the screen that gives the film its energy and thrust.

This is a seminal rock doc, and the actual music is only a small part of the magic.

If any lesson is to be learned from this film it is that rock festivals require considerable planning. They can be a celebration of life, but that requires some Establishment cooperation... In any event, Jagger is great.