The Idolmaker

Starring:Ray Sharkey, Tovah Feldshuh, Peter Gallagher, Paul Land, Joe Pantoliano, Maureen McCormick, John Aprea, Richard Bright, Olympia Dukakis, Steve Peck, Leonard Gaines, Deney Terrio, Charles Guardino, Michael Mislove, Kenneth O'Brien, Michael Perotta, Sylvia Shemmell, Myrna Smith, Afreeka Trees, Owen C. Davis
Director: Taylor Hackford
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The same year Neil Diamond made a ballyhooed (through lackluster) remake of The Jazz Singer, first-time director Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman) created a musical biography packed with energy, verve, and style. Golden Globe winner Ray Sharkey is Vincent Vacarri, a tough, charismatic music fan who turns producer, creating stars in the halcyon days of rock and roll. Loosely based on the life of Bob Marucci, who created the Fabian and Frankie Avalon juggernauts, the story is part character study, part musical. The outstanding concert sequences are the payoff with newcomer Peter Gallagher as the Fabian-like Caesare--a great bit of casting. Brill Building songwriter Jeff Barry's song score, including a cagey final number, is a highlight, as is Joe Pantoliano (in another debut) as Vacarri's abused but loyal songwriter partner. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie!!.......2007-06-08

Not a well known movie but very powerful and interesting look on the teen idols of the 50's Was supposedly modeled after the careers of Frankie Avalon ( Tommy ) and Fabian (Cesare) My daughters were obsessed with this movie after I introduced it to them. Peter Gallagher was very young here and Ray Sharkey was excellent. Highly recommend this film to watch.

How did I miss this one?.......2007-04-18

God bless my satellite package, loaded with all of the premium movie channels. Disgusted with network TV and basic cable, any time of the day I can catch something decent. Often I peak at something I've never seen or heard of, and one morning I watched this movie. From the start the script, cast and performances keep you watching. A classic, often used storyline is given life and color by Taylor Hackford's direction. The movie is a perfect blend of everything: just the right amount of screen time for each character to produce the right balance for a story that never bores, always keeps you on your toes, and thoroughly entertains. So many familiar faces in this movie that I had no idea had put out such quality at such early stages in their career, including Peter Ghallager, Joe Pantoliano plus a magnificent performance by Ray Sharkey, someone who I'd heard of but had never knowingly seen in anything. His tour de force performance was offset only by the heartbreak I felt when reading his biography. The use of music in this movie is the glue holding it all together, particularly the film's score. Combined with the great script and performances, you really feel this movie, right down tot he last bittersweet note of the last song sung. An absolute delight to have tripped across when scanning the premium channels on my dish one morning.

Finding the impossible.......2007-02-02

I want to thank Amazon for helping me find a product that according to the suppliers in our country are not available! I searched for the movie Idol Maker for over 2 years and as a last resort decided to try amazon! Well I found it, ordered it and within 2 weeks it was delivered from NY to my door in South Africa! Your service and quality of products are amazing and the security of your site makes me feel safe in ordering with my Credit Card! Thank you once again for ending my long search!

The Idolmaker.......2007-01-09

This movie is great. I watched it as a teenager and had never forgot the wonderful songs they sung. I am so glad to have this movie.

Vincent, Make Us More Idols to Worship.......2006-09-23

This movie was released in 1980, starring Ray Sharkey and Tovah Feldshuh. Ray is Vincent Vacarri, said character being loosely based on Bob Marucci, an idolmaker in his own right - Frankie Avalon, Fabian. Vincent is ever-seeking fame and fortune, but feels he can't cut it in the spotlight himself. Those who can't, teach (and capitalize from it). His drive to succeed is merciless, on himself, and others, but his character remains deep and thoroughly likeable. Tune in, Peter Gallagher fans, he is young and hot-hot-hot in this one, while Vincent molds him into idol material. As great looking as this guy is, physically it's not a far stretch but he benefits from instruction. Memories of Ed Sullivan rock and roll first viewings - Elvis, the Beatles, etc. - will hit strongly. Great music, interesting story line...Christine Taylor (Marsha in The Brady Bunch) is a reporter who wants to do more to our Idol than just interview him.

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