I’ve been conducting interviews with musicians, authors, and filmmakers at the famed Sunset Marquis Hotel since the early seventies. Author Deepak Chopra and Oscar-winning documentarian D.A. Pennebaker were two of my favorite encounters.
A media announcement describes the documentary.
“For more than 60 years, there has been one place in LA that has served as the home-away-from-home for the biggest names in rock and roll. Tucked just off the Sunset Strip, the Sunset Marquis Hotel became more than a place to stay while on tour. It became a creative sanctuary where songs were written, debauchery was shared, and music history unfolded behind closed doors.
“Now, for the first time, that story is being told on screen.
Directed by Tyler Measom (Murder Among Mormons, An Honest Liar ) and Craig A. Williams, If These Walls Could Rockfeatures rare archival footage, vivid animation and candid interviews, the film tells the story of rock n’ roll through the lens of this legendary hotel as shared by the artists who call it home - including Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Billy Bob Thornton, Slash, Dave Grohl, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, Sheryl Crow, Roger Daltrey, Joe Elliot, Nancy Wilson, Steve Van Zandt and many more.
“But beneath the iconic guest list and tales of rock misadventure lies a deeply personal story: the remarkable partnership between founder George Rosenthal and his son Mark, who transformed a modest West Hollywood “motel” into one of the most iconic destinations in music history.
“Within five minutes of walking in the Marquis, you may hear a rock and roll story that sounds completely made up, but come to learn is true,” say directors Measom and Williams. “Still beyond the many amazing musical stories, the father-and-son tale at the heart of the hotel is what truly inspired us to create this film.”
The film opens August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theatre in Los Angeles, accompanied by special post-screening Q&A events with the filmmakers and guests from the film, while launching simultaneously on Apple TV and Amazon.
If These Walls Could Rock was produced by longtime MTV executives Rick Krim, Robert Friedman, and Mike Powers (Bungalow Media+Entertainment) along with Mark Rosenthal, David Thurston, and Alexis Thurston.
(Harvey Kubernik’s Screen Gems: (Pop Music Documentaries and Rock ‘n’ Roll TV Scenes) was published in 2026 by BearManor Media).
