Directed by
Rodger Grossman
Made by
Vitagraph Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for What We Do Is Secret (2008). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
As Jan Paul Beahm grapples with a challenging childhood in Los Angeles, he finds refuge in education, evolving into an exceptionally bright student at University High School. His unusual demeanor prompts school officials to present him with a perplexing offer: straight A’s on the condition that he does not return. Driven by a profound passion for reading and writing, he proposes to his friend Georg Ruthenberg the formation of a band in December 1975. Inspired by David Bowie’s legendary song “Five Years,” Jan Paul devises an ambitious five-year plan for their musical journey. With instruments obtained through inventive means, the band begins to take shape, featuring Jan Paul as the vocalist, Georg on guitar, Terri Ryan on bass guitar, and Becky Barton on drums.
The nascent group, which would eventually adopt the name Germs, tentatively steps onto the stage for the first time in April 1977. An unexpected meeting with Claude “Kickboy Face” Bessy from Slash magazine outside the Whisky a Go Go leads them to a spontaneous open mic performance across the street. Unfortunately, their debut is met with a tepid response, marked by their struggles with the instruments and heckling from the crowd. In a bid to combat the negativity, Jan Paul retaliates by launching a flour bomb and covering the microphone in peanut butter, resulting in an early ejection but igniting a spark of excitement within the band.
As they navigate the burgeoning punk rock scene in Los Angeles, Jan Paul adopts the stage name Bobby Pyn, which later transitions into Darby Crash. Tragedy strikes when Becky loses her life, prompting a series of lineup shifts before the group achieves a more stable formation. Enter Chris Ashford, who steps in as their manager, urging them to release their first single, “Forming,” which would become one of the pioneering punk rock releases from Los Angeles.
With the Masque as their home ground, the Germs welcome Don Bolles as their new drummer, a pivotal point that sets off a turbulent chapter marked by Darby’s deep connection with Rob Henley, their romantic partner. Amid this intricate relational web, Germs creates their iconic blue circle logo and the infamous “Germs burn,” a circular cigarette burn symbolism on the wrist, which speaks to their identity. Their fame blossoms at the Masque and soon spreads to larger venues, culminating in a chaotic performance at the Roosevelt Hotel on Halloween 1978. During this chaotic creative period, tensions rise as Rob and Don collide over their desire for Darby’s admiration, all while Darby becomes increasingly ensnared in a web of heroin addiction.
The Germs’ rise continues, fueled by appearances on Rodney Bingenheimer’s radio show and financial support from Slash for their album “(GI)”. But as cracks begin to show beneath the surface, Rob plants doubts in Darby’s mind regarding Don’s drumming, compounded by the arrival of a new figure, Amber, who positions herself as Darby’s manager. The band’s performances grow more violent, leading to them being banned from most Los Angeles clubs.
As Darby’s addiction spirals out of control, brewing tensions within the Germs reach a boiling point. Friction arises when Don ventures into a side project, prompting Penelope Spheeris to feature the group in her documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization”. They perform under the alias GI at the Whisky a Go Go in December 1979, but when Don fails to show, Darby reluctantly turns to Rob for drumming support, which proves disastrous and leads to the show’s cancellation due to crowd unrest.
Following this fiasco, conflict escalates when Darby learns of Don’s liaison with a fan, leading him to abandon the Germs and engage in a romantic affair with Amber in London for several months. Returning to Los Angeles with a striking Adam Ant-inspired look and an exaggerated mohawk, Darby reunites with Pat for his new project, the Darby Crash Band, and stages a “farewell show” for Germs at the Starwood in December 1980.
This farewell concert becomes an emotional and cathartic gathering, as Darby informs the audience that it will be their final performance. In a moment of poignant closure, he subsequently passes away, left in solitude and despair, surrounded by the remnants of his tumultuous existence. Pat receives the heartbreaking news while watching reports of John Lennon’s assassination, a grim reflection on the transient nature of fame and life’s fleeting moments.
Follow the complete movie timeline of What We Do Is Secret (2008) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Jan Paul's Childhood
Jan Paul Beahm faces numerous challenges during his childhood in Los Angeles. As he navigates these difficulties, he discovers solace in education, which becomes a focal point in his life.
Exceptional Student
Through determination and hard work, Jan Paul develops into an exceptionally bright student at University High School. His unusual demeanor draws the attention of school officials, leading to a peculiar offer concerning his grades.
Formation of a Band
In December 1975, fueled by a passion for music and writing, Jan Paul proposes starting a band to his friend Georg Ruthenberg. This marks the initial step towards their shared musical journey.
Five-Year Plan
Inspired by David Bowie's song 'Five Years', Jan Paul drafts an ambitious five-year plan for their band. This plan encapsulates their hopes and aspirations within the music industry.
First Stage Performance
In April 1977, the band, which would later be known as Germs, makes their tentative debut on stage. The performance is filled with challenges, including heckling from the audience and issues with their instruments.
Debut Performance Chaos
After a chance encounter with Claude 'Kickboy Face' Bessy, the band performs an impromptu set at an open mic. This chaotic debut is met with a lackluster response, sparking a comical yet symbolic flour bomb incident.
Stage Name Transformation
As the band ventures deeper into the punk rock scene, Jan Paul adopts the name Bobby Pyn, which eventually transforms into Darby Crash. This evolution reflects both personal growth and musical identity.
Tragic Loss
The band faces heart-wrenching tragedy when drummer Becky loses her life, prompting lineup changes within Germs. This loss deeply affects the group and sets them on a turbulent path.
New Management and First Single
Chris Ashford steps in as the band's manager, pushing them to release their first single, 'Forming'. This track becomes one of the pioneering punk rock releases from Los Angeles and marks a significant turning point for Germs.
Rise to Fame
With the Masque as their base, the Germs welcome new drummer Don Bolles and start gaining traction within the punk rock scene. Their reputation soars, leading to increasingly larger venues and notable performances.
Chaos at the Roosevelt Hotel
The Germs deliver a chaotic performance at the Roosevelt Hotel on Halloween 1978. This event symbolizes their rise and showcases the tumultuous and vibrant nature of their music and performances.
Struggles with Addiction
As Darby becomes entangled in heroin addiction, tensions rise within the band, particularly between Darby, Rob, and Don. The strain of their personal relationships exacerbates the challenges they face as a group.
Documentary Feature
The Germs are featured in Penelope Spheeris' documentary 'The Decline of Western Civilization'. Their performance under the alias GI at the Whisky a Go Go in December 1979 becomes a pivotal moment captured on film.
Farewell Show
In December 1980, Darby Crash announces a 'farewell show' for Germs at the Starwood. This emotional concert serves as a poignant closure for the band and its dedicated fans.
Tragic End
After the farewell show, Darby Crash tragically passes away, leaving behind a legacy marked by turmoil and creativity. His death resonates profoundly with fans, especially as news of John Lennon's assassination breaks.
Explore all characters from What We Do Is Secret (2008). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Jan Paul Beahm / Darby Crash
Darby Crash, originally known as Jan Paul Beahm, is a complex character whose passion for music is coupled with a tumultuous personal life. His transformation into the punk rock icon Darby Crash illustrates his quest for self-identity amidst the chaotic world of Los Angeles punk. However, his descent into addiction poses significant challenges that complicate his relationships and ambitions.
Georg Ruthenberg
Georg Ruthenberg is Darby's close friend and an integral member of Germs, contributing his guitar skills to help shape their sound. His musical partnership with Darby highlights their shared aspirations, but as tensions rise within the band, Georg's position becomes precarious. Despite the challenges, his loyalty and dedication remain evident throughout their journey.
Terri Ryan
Terri Ryan plays bass guitar for Germs, representing the fierce spirit of women in the punk rock scene. Her presence in the band speaks to the inclusivity of the movement, but also reflects the turbulence the group faces. Terri’s character navigates her own challenges, balancing her passion for music with the chaotic dynamics of the band.
Becky Barton
Becky Barton is a pivotal character in the film, whose tragic loss profoundly impacts the band's trajectory. As a drummer, her energy and talent contribute to Germs' early sound. Becky's death acts as a catalyst for the series of events that lead to instability within the group, highlighting the theme of vulnerability in the midst of rebellion.
Learn where and when What We Do Is Secret (2008) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1975 - 1980
This film unfolds during the late 1970s, a pivotal era in music history marked by the explosion of punk rock. It captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of youth during this time, as bands like Germs emerge amidst the socio-cultural upheaval. The period also reflects on themes of addiction and the fleeting nature of fame, paralleling the struggles faced by the band.
Location
Los Angeles, Whisky a Go Go, Roosevelt Hotel, Starwood
Los Angeles serves as the vibrant backdrop for this story, known for its diverse culture and influential music scene. The Whisky a Go Go and Starwood are iconic music venues that showcased rising punk rock bands during the 1970s. The Roosevelt Hotel adds a historical aura, having hosted numerous legendary performers and events in the heart of Hollywood.
Discover the main themes in What We Do Is Secret (2008). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Punk Rock
The film delves into the punk rock movement, exploring its rebellious nature and the band's quest for identity within this chaotic environment. Through their music and performance, Germs embodies the angst and defiance of a generation. The chaotic performances symbolize both the liberation and the tumultuous challenges of being a part of the punk scene.
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Tragedy
Tragedy intertwines deeply with the narrative as the loss of band member Becky spurs turmoil within Germs. The film highlights the emotional strain and personal battles of the characters, especially Darby Crash, who grapples with addiction and heartbreak. This theme underlines the darker side of fame and the fallout from the lifestyle embraced by the band.
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Addiction
Addiction is a critical theme, portrayed through Darby Crash's struggles with heroin. The film examines how addiction impacts relationships, leading to conflicts within the band and ultimately fueling its decline. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers lurking within the rock and roll lifestyle.
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