What We Do Is Secret 2007 Full Movie fmovies

What We Do Is Secret Full Movie fmovies: A Journey Through Punk Rock History

The story of Jan Paul Beahm, known as Darby Crash, unfolds in the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of Los Angeles. Growing up in a troubled environment, Darby faces numerous challenges, including an absent father, an alcoholic mother, and the tragic loss of his older brother to heroin addiction. Despite these hardships, he emerges as a remarkably intelligent student at University High School, where his antisocial behavior leads to a unique arrangement with the administration: straight A’s in exchange for not returning to school.

The Birth of a Punk Band: From Friends to Germs

In December 1975, at the age of 17, Darby proposes to his friend Georg Ruthenberg the idea of starting a band. He shares potential lyrics and reveals a “five-year plan” inspired by David Bowie’s song “Five Years.” The duo manages to con money for instruments, and soon, a lineup forms with Darby on vocals, Georg on guitar, Terri Ryan on bass, and Becky Barton on drums. They decide on the name “Germs,” symbolizing the germination of their creative ideas.

First Gig and the Rise of the Germs

The Germs play their first gig in April 1977, where they encounter the Damned outside the Whisky a Go Go. Claude “Kickboy Face” Bessy from Slash magazine encourages them to perform at an open mic across the street. Their impromptu performance of “Sex Boy” is met with heckling, as they struggle to play their instruments. In a moment of defiance, Darby throws flour at the audience and dips the microphone in peanut butter, leading to their ejection but igniting their passion for performance.

As the band evolves, Darby creates pseudonyms for the members: Georg becomes Pat Smear, Terri transforms into Lorna Doom, and Becky adopts the name Donna Rhia. Darby initially names himself Bobby Pyn but later changes it to Darby Crash. The band experiences lineup changes, with Becky being replaced and Chris Ashford stepping in as their manager, pressing their first punk rock single, “Forming,” which marks a significant milestone for the Los Angeles punk scene.

Building a Following: The Masque and Beyond

At the Masque, the Germs meet Don Bolles, who becomes their new drummer. Darby also begins a romantic relationship with Rob Henley, leading to a deeper exploration of his identity. During this time, Darby designs the Germs’ logo, a blue circle, and introduces the “Germs burn,” a symbolic cigarette burn on the wrist. As they gain popularity, the Germs advance to larger venues, culminating in a chaotic Halloween show at the Roosevelt Hotel in 1978.

However, the band’s success is marred by increasing tensions. Rob convinces Darby that Don’s drumming lacks speed, and Darby’s heroin use escalates, leading to violence at their shows. The Germs find themselves banned from most clubs in Los Angeles, and Darby struggles with the news of Don’s side project. Their appearance in Penelope Spheeris’s film, The Decline of Western Civilization, further cements their place in punk rock history.

Decline and Breakup: The Final Days of the Germs

In December 1979, the Germs perform at the Whisky a Go Go under the name GI, which stands for “Germs Incognito.” When Don is late, Darby replaces him with Rob, who is unprepared, leading to a disastrous show that ends in a riot. Following this incident, Darby finds Rob in a compromising situation with a female fan, prompting him to leave the band and head to London with Amber, effectively breaking up the Germs.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Darby adopts a new Adam Ant-inspired look, complete with a tall mohawk. He enlists Pat for his new project, the Darby Crash Band, and organizes a farewell show for the Germs at the Starwood in December 1980. The show is a poignant farewell, with Darby addressing the crowd, stating, “This is for the people who wanted to know what it was like when we were around. But this is the only one; you’re not gonna see this again.”

The Tragic End: A Legacy Remembered

After the farewell show, Darby, feeling isolated and despondent, enters into a suicide pact with his friend Casey Cola. The two intentionally overdose on heroin; Casey survives, but tragically, Darby does not. Pat receives the heartbreaking news while watching reports of John Lennon’s assassination. Darby’s funeral is sparsely attended, with Pat reading a poem titled