Yep, Billy Idol’s single “Rock the Cradle of Love” from his 4th album (Charmed Life) turns 21 years old this year. The song rocketed to #2 on the Billboard charts in 1990. And like many other hot singles of the time period, it also doubled as a theme to a movie – The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.
You remember that one, right? Andrew Dice Clay plays a rock & roll detective. This cinematic Meh-fest also stars Wayne Newton, Lauren Holly, Morris Day, Ed O’ Neil, Robert Englund and a slew of cameos.
OH AND WE CAN’T FORGET THE VIDEO…
Idol’s video basically centers around an older male socialite trying to resist the urge to fool around with another socialite’s hot younger daughter in his apartment. Ford Fairlane clips are peppered throughout the film. Idol also makes a stunning appearance by moving from painting to Warhol-esque painting in the man’s apartment.
For the time period, it rocked in the special effects department. So much so that it won the MTV award for best movie video song.
BTW…Betsy Lynn George plays the girl in the video.
And yes, she was of age at the time of filming (20 years to be exact). Oh, and check out that classic mac used in the video. I actually owned one.
Ok, I’ll shutup now so you can take in this dazzling display of 90’s high concept with an infectious beat.
