EXCLUSIVE: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Marriott and his influential 1960’s British band Small Faces are the subject of a new music biopic called All Or Nothing.
Marriott, who almost set up a band with good friend David Bowie, became a mod style icon in 1960s Britain and his influential group Small Faces had a string of hits first as a rock and roll group and then as a pyschedelic band. First members included Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Jimmy Winston. When Marriott left in 1969 to form Humble Pie, the group continued with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. In his later life, Marriott distanced himself from the mainstream music industry and turned away from major record labels, remaining in relative obscurity. He died aged only 44 after a fire ripped through his 16th century home.
The story is “seen through the eyes of a young female fan; her lifelong love is the band and its phenomenal frontman, Marriott, whose iconic style and incredible vocals have had a lasting impact on generations of musicians. Through their emotional connection, we uncover the complexities and contradictions that burn beneath the showman’s mask, as Steve struggles to navigate life in the spotlight, disguising his raw private turmoil and vulnerability with arrogance and caustic humour.”
The original screenplay, written by actress and writer Carol Harrison (The Elephant Man), is inspired by her West End musical, All or Nothing, and will be directed by BAFTA winner Adrian Shergold (Funny Cow). Harrison, who met Marriott at age eight, wrote the stage musical based on her friendship with Mariott and conversations with his family, including daughter Mollie Marriott.
The film will be produced by Carol Harrison of Rock ‘n’ Roll Productions and Mark Vennis of Moviehouse Entertainment and executive-produced by Charles Ledigo and Gary Phillips. Moviehouse will also handle sales.
According to producers, the movie is being made with the support and blessing of the (Steve) Marriott and (Ronnie) Lane Estates and is due to go into production in autumn 2026. The Small Faces’ back catalogue is due to serve as the film’s soundtrack.
The producers added: “The film is an authentic, passionate and insightful depiction of one of the most unique and influential UK bands of the 60s, the Small Faces. A classic rock ‘n’ roll tale of fame, exploitation and the fight to establish their own authentic sound. At its heart, All or Nothing is a tender, bittersweet love story set in the rebellious 1960’s amid an uprising of empowering popular culture and a shifting social landscape.”
Harrison said: “I am very excited to have Adrian Shergold, one of Britain’s premier directors, on board. I can think of no one better to bring the story to life with compassion and integrity, and to deliver the film’s grit, humour, excitement and sartorial elegance.”
Shergold added: “I am a passionate fan of the Small Faces and that era, and when I read Carol’s screenplay, I knew that this could be a music film with a difference. The film has so much contemporary resonance – the central perspective of a female fan, along with the lows of dealing with fame at such young ages (the band were all under 18 when they started), and of course, the drama of the famously corrupt management. It’s very exciting.”