DVD/150: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': THE SONGS OF THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS (Jim Pierson, 2005, tv)

A delighful near-hour long documentary which provides a general overview of the career of the quartet who sprang from the early 60s folk boom to be one of the most loved and still-relevant groups of the late 60s pop era.

With Cass long gone, the documentary features previously aired 1986 interviews with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty, by the 2004 filming for this documentary John had died, and Denny passed away in 2007.

The cracks that were there from the start of the group are referred to but the continual shifting aliances made them prone to drama - John's controlling nature led to Michelle having two affairs - one with Denny and one which led to her being fired for two months, Cass' unrequited love for Denny, and John and Cass's combustable relationship.

What remains is their glorious music and soaring harmonies and the pure timeless joy they made.

Shelf or charity shop?  A defiinite shelf nominee... great footage of them singing together on tv shows with Cass and Denny larking about as they mime, a sweet segment on Cass' solo career and a glorious chance to wallow in the vocals of Denny and Cass, two of the most beguiling voices in pop.