In March 1981, the British band Madness undertook a film project that documented their origin story through semi-fictional narrative and performance footage. The seven-piece group had risen to prominence following the release of their debut single roughly 18 months earlier, gaining recognition through innovative music videos on television programs. Rather than spending their early earnings on personal luxuries, they invested in what became known as Take It or Leave It, a feature film that blended their comedic energy with the grounded aesthetic of working-class London life.
The film was conceived and directed by Dave Robinson, the founder of Stiff Records who had signed Madness to the label in 1979 when its members were in their late teens and early twenties. Robinson had previously worked with the band on music videos, collaborating with various directors to create memorable visual content. His approach to the film prioritized speed and creative flexibility, employing guerrilla-style production methods that involved minimal permits and unconventional filming techniques. The budget was assembled through contributions from band members and their manager, supplemented by Robinson’s personal investment.
Production differed significantly from the fast-paced video shoots Robinson typically conducted. The initial unionized crew was replaced with a smaller, more agile team that could move quickly through London locations. Robinson drew inspiration from documentary filmmaking and kitchen-sink realism cinema, screening reference films including Raging Bull to establish the visual tone. The band’s members participated in scriptwriting and performed cover songs alongside original compositions for the soundtrack.
Filming took place at authentic locations tied to the group’s history, including rehearsal spaces, a Camden pub where they had performed early shows, and the home where they initially formed. The first 20 minutes were shot in black and white to evoke the aesthetic of late 1970s London. Though the film received limited theatrical release and subsequently faded from public awareness, it has undergone restoration and is being reintroduced as a historical document capturing both the band’s early trajectory and the urban landscape of the era. Cast members and crew have reflected on the production’s commitment to authenticity and its departure from the visual experimentation characteristic of the band’s music videos.
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