35TH TORONTO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

In-theatre MAY 27 - JUNE 6, 2027

If These Walls Could Rock

Documentary

June 11
6:00pm
scheduled
Carlton Cinema
June 19
12:00am
online
Online at TJFF Virtual Cinema
600 USD total for 1 in-person and 1 online screening. The online screening will geo-blocked to Ontario and available for a 72-hour window.
COUNTRY
United States
Year
2025
Running Time
93 minutes
Language
English
Director
Tyler Measom, Craig A. Williams

The untold story of the Sunset Marquis Hotel—West Hollywood’s legendary hideaway where rock stars checked in, passed out, and made history. Featuring icons like Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, and Dave Grohl, the film explores the debauchery, music, and magic that made the Marquis the heartbeat of rock ’n’ roll for over six decades. Beneath the mythology lies a deeper story: founder George Rosenthal and his son, Mark. A Depression-era Jewish dreamer, George helped build Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club and realized the musicians, entertainers, and bunnies needed somewhere to stay—so he created a hotel that became their home and a sanctuary for generations of artists.

Reviews

“Befitting its subject, If These Walls Could Rock dishes up plenty of juicy stories.” The Hollywood Reporter