In addition, a session at the Beatles’ Apple Studios in May 1972 brought together Marc’s chums Elton John (piano) and Ringo Starr (additional drum kit) who joined T.Rex for a unique collaboration on Tutti Frutti and Children of the Revolution.

A separate four-song acoustic set filmed in the grounds of John Lennon’s mansion at Tittenhurst Park, Ascot, yielded new versions of Jeepster, Hot Love, Get It On, and The Slider, with Tony Visconti conducting a string quartet as Bolan sat cross-legged in the long grass. These elements were woven together to make the film, with various incidental footage of Marc and Ringo hamming it up and riding in a cadilac, and Marc reciting his poetry. As Ringo was appearing in front of the camera as well as behind it, he hired executive director Frank Simon to help out, famous for the “The Queen”, a 1968 cinema verite documentary about New York’s drag scene.

Bolan reported that over fifty hours of footage was shot. This was cut down to just 64 minutes during the summer of 1972, and released to UK cinemas at the end of December as Born to Boogie. Somehow the title tune never made it to the film, eventually appearing as the B-side to the ‘Solid Gold Easy Action’ 45 at the year’s end.

The UK premiere was held at Oscar’s cinema in Brewer Street, Soho on 14 December 1972, attended by T.Rex, Ringo Starr and Elton John (sporting his famous ZOOM glasses). Marc’s wife June was initially refused admission, as an over-zealous doorman considered her claim to be Mrs Bolan just another ruse to get close to the star of the show. The after-show party at Tramps nightclub also played host to Donovan, Bernie Taupin and Keith Moon...
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